Homemade Meatballs For Spaghetti In Oven
Meatballs are a classic addition to spaghetti, but many people opt for store-bought meatballs. However, making your own meatballs is simple, and the end result is far more flavorful than anything you can buy at the store. Plus, you can customize your meatballs to your taste, making them as spicy, savory, or sweet as you like.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Sauce:
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Use your hands to form the meat mixture into small, golf ball-sized balls. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between the meatballs so that they cook evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir in the chopped basil.
Step 6: Combine the Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the pot with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully coated in sauce and heated through.
Variations
There are endless variations you can make to this recipe to suit your taste. Some ideas include:
- Add diced bell peppers and onions to the meat mixture before baking.
- Swap out the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use a combination of different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary, in the meat mixture.
Get creative and experiment to find your perfect meatball recipe!
Conclusion
Homemade meatballs are a delicious and easy addition to any spaghetti dish. By following these simple steps, you can make your own meatballs that are far superior to anything you can buy pre-made. Plus, you can customize your meatballs to your taste, making them as spicy, savory, or sweet as you like. So next time you're craving spaghetti and meatballs, skip the store-bought version and make your own!
