Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe For 2
If you are looking for a romantic dinner to share with your significant other, or simply want to cook a delicious meal for two, spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that never fails to impress. This recipe is easy to make, and with a few tips and tricks, you can make the perfect meatballs and sauce to accompany your spaghetti.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the sauce:
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For the spaghetti:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Making the Meatballs
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
2. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should be able to make approximately 12 meatballs.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
5. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
1. In the same skillet used to cook the meatballs, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
4. Add the chopped basil to the sauce and stir well.
Making the Spaghetti
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and spaghetti, and stir well.
2. Cook the spaghetti for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.
4. Add the olive oil to the spaghetti and stir well to coat.
Serving
1. Divide the spaghetti between two plates.
2. Spoon the sauce over the spaghetti.
3. Top each plate with 6 meatballs.
4. Garnish with additional chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Tricks
1. To make the meatballs extra tender, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the mixture.
2. Don't overwork the meat mixture when forming the meatballs, as this can make them tough.
3. To save time, you can use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making your own. Simply heat it up and add the cooked meatballs.
4. If you want to add some extra flavor to the sauce, you can sauté some chopped onions and bell peppers before adding the garlic and red pepper flakes.
5. For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a romantic dinner for two. With this recipe, you can make the perfect meatballs and sauce to accompany your spaghetti. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, making it the ideal meal for any occasion.
