Italian Spaghetti And Meatballs From Scratch
Italian spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that is loved by many. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti is simply irresistible. While you can easily buy pre-made meatballs and sauce from the grocery store, there’s nothing quite like making it from scratch. Not only is it more satisfying, but it also allows you to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step recipe for making Italian spaghetti and meatballs from scratch.
Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 pound of spaghetti
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Next, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should be able to make around 20 meatballs. Set them aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook them for 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large pot, combine the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are done cooking, add them to the pot with the tomato sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
4. Cook the Spaghetti
While the tomato sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Place a serving of spaghetti on a plate and top it with some meatballs and tomato sauce. Feel free to sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese and parsley on top for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Making Italian spaghetti and meatballs from scratch may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple. By following this step-by-step recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, give it a try and enjoy the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home!