Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

 

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
• Salt for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.

   Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Make the Marinara Sauce:

   In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

   Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

   Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Simmer the sauce with the meatballs for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

3. Cook the Spaghetti:

   While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti.

4. Combine and Serve:

   Toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce and meatballs, or serve the sauce and meatballs on top of the spaghetti.

   Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.

This classic spaghetti and meatballs dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal with friends. Enjoy the rich flavors of the homemade meatballs and marinara sauce paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti! Let me know if you have any questions or need more tips.