Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe Easy Quick
Spaghetti and meatballs is one of the most popular dishes in Italian cuisine. It is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. This dish has a rich history and is believed to have been brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. The dish has since become a staple in American cuisine, and it is easy to see why. The combination of tender meatballs and perfectly cooked spaghetti, smothered in a rich tomato sauce, is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and spaghetti to the pot and cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
9. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Add the sauce to the pot and toss the spaghetti with the sauce.
10. Serve the spaghetti topped with the meatballs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- To make the meatballs even more flavorful, you can add some chopped fresh basil and/or grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
- If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs instead.
- To make the sauce extra rich and creamy, you can stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of the cooking process.
- Leftover spaghetti and meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the tomato sauce is rich and delicious. Serve this dish with a simple salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
