Spaghetti And Meatballs With Mozzarella Cheese
Spaghetti and meatballs with mozzarella cheese is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of spaghetti, meatballs, and mozzarella cheese creates a savory, delicious dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, milk, onion, and garlic. Mix well with your hands.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
6. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
7. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
8. Add the meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce and stir to coat.
9. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss to combine.
10. Top the spaghetti and meatballs with mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Tips:
- If you want to make your meatballs extra tender, try soaking the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes before adding them to the meat mixture.
- To make this dish even more flavorful, try adding some chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, or mushrooms to the tomato sauce.
- If you're short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs instead of making your own.
Conclusion:
Spaghetti and meatballs with mozzarella cheese is a classic dish that is loved by many. This recipe is easy to make and is perfect for any occasion. The combination of spaghetti, meatballs, and mozzarella cheese creates a savory, delicious dish that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.