How long does it take to make Best Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Based on our recipe instructions, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and cook. This includes time for soaking the bread, preparing and browning the meatballs, simmering the sauce and meatballs together, and cooking the spaghetti.

What ingredients do I need for Best Spaghetti and Meatballs?

You'll need the following ingredients: white bread, cold water, lean ground beef, beef sausage (casings removed), Parmesan cheese, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, a large egg, all-purpose flour, light olive oil, a yellow onion, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, basil, and spaghetti.

Can I use a different type of oil for cooking the meatballs?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of light olive oil to brown the meatballs. Both oils will work well for sautéing and will provide a suitable cooking environment for the meatballs.

How do I know when the meatballs are ready to be added to the sauce?

The meatballs should be browned on the outside, which takes about 6 minutes in total (2 minutes per side). They don't need to be fully cooked at this stage since they will continue to cook and become tender while simmering in the sauce.

What can I serve with this dish instead of wine?

You can serve this dish with a refreshing fruit juice, such as grape or apple juice, which complements the flavors well without overpowering the dish.

How can I ensure the sauce has the right consistency?

Simmer the sauce gently for about 30 minutes with the meatballs. This will allow the sauce to thicken naturally and the flavors to meld beautifully. Make sure to stir occasionally and keep the pot partially covered to control evaporation.

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs: Irresistible Meatballs Simmered to Perfection

Name: Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 slices white bread (crusts removed), diced or torn to pieces; 160 ml cold water; 450 g lean ground beef; 450 g beef sausage, casings removed; 60 g grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 5 ml sea salt; 2.5 ml black pepper; 1 large egg; 180 ml all-purpose flour, to dredge meatballs; 45 ml light olive oil, to saute, or use vegetable oil; 1 medium yellow onion (240 ml chopped); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1.6 kg crushed tomatoes (from 2 cans – 800 g each); 2 bay leaves, optional; Salt & pepper, to taste; 30 ml basil, finely minced, plus more to garnish; 450 g spaghetti

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📑 Table of Contents ▶

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
Crafting the Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
Fundamentals
Preparation/setup
The Art of Making Perfect Meatballs
Technique
Tips/tricks
Achieving Sauce Perfection
Perfecting results
Troubleshooting/variations
Serving and Pairing
Serving/presentation
Pairings/storage
Conclusion
FAQs – Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

If there’s one dish that has woven itself into the fabric of my culinary memories, it’s spaghetti and meatballs. These meals were more than just dinner—they were a delightful mess of family, stories, and laughter. Picture a kitchen filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes and the comforting promise of a homemade meal. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, no matter the occasion.

Growing up, weekends meant gathering around the table for endless conversations over plates of the best spaghetti and meatballs. My mom would let me roll the meatballs, my hands sticky with a mix of beef and sausage, while she stirred the sauce, always with a smile. Those moments were pure magic, the kind that turns ordinary days into cherished memories.

Even today, making spaghetti and meatballs feels like a warm hug from home. The process of combining ingredients, shaping meatballs, and watching them sizzle in the pan is therapeutic. It’s not just cooking; it’s a ritual that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Every bite tells a story, a delicious reminder that food is love, shared one plate at a time.

In this recipe, we’ll dive into the art of creating the best spaghetti and meatballs. Together, we’ll explore the fundamentals, techniques, and tips to ensure your dish is nothing short of perfection. Let’s embark on this savory adventure and make some culinary memories of our own.

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Author: Aria
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Discover the ultimate recipe for the best spaghetti and meatballs! Learn how to make this classic Italian dish with our step-by-step guide. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

3 slices white bread (crusts removed), diced or torn to pieces
160 ml cold water
450 g lean ground beef
450 g beef sausage, casings removed
60 g grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 ml sea salt
2.5 ml black pepper
1 large egg
180 ml all-purpose flour, to dredge meatballs
45 ml light olive oil, to saute, or use vegetable oil
1 medium yellow onion (240 ml chopped)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1.6 kg crushed tomatoes (from 2 cans – 800 g each)
2 bay leaves, optional
Salt & pepper, to taste
30 ml basil, finely minced, plus more to garnish
450 g spaghetti

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Instructions

**Instructions for Delicious Spaghetti and Meatballs:**
**Soak** – Immerse the bread pieces in 160 ml of cold water, let them sit for 5 minutes, and then use a fork to mash them.
**Combine** – In a large bowl or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, place the lean ground beef, beef sausage (with casings removed), 60 g of grated Parmesan, 4 minced garlic cloves, 5 ml of sea salt, 2.5 ml of black pepper, 1 large egg, and the mashed bread mixture. Blend everything thoroughly.
**Shape and Sear** – Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in size (approximately the size of a flat ice cream scoop). Roll the meatballs in all-purpose flour, shaking off any extra. Warm 45 ml of light olive oil in a deep, large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in two batches, ensuring there’s enough space in the pan, for about 6 minutes total, or 2 minutes on each side. Remove them and set aside (cooking through is not necessary at this stage).
**Prepare Onion and Garlic** – In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, and cook the chopped yellow onion over medium heat, stirring frequently until it becomes soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add in the 4 cloves of minced garlic and continue to stir for 1-2 minutes until it releases its aroma.
**Simmer Sauce** – Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil (ensure it is boiling and not just bubbling at the surface).
**Cook Meatballs in Sauce** – Return the meatballs to the pan with the tomato sauce, partially cover, and let them simmer gently for 30 minutes, turning them occasionally. They should become tender, and the sauce will thicken. A few minutes before finishing, add the chopped basil and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, cook the pasta.
**Prepare Pasta** – Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted water until it reaches the desired tenderness, then drain and return it to the empty pot.
**Combine and Serve** – Pour the sauce and meatballs over the cooked spaghetti and gently mix to combine. To serve family-style, place on a large platter, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and enjoy it hot.

Notes

Consider using a combination of lean ground beef and sausage for added flavor in the meatballs.
Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour to make the meatballs gluten-free.
Add a touch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Crafting the Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

Fundamentals

The foundation of the best spaghetti and meatballs lies in the quality of ingredients. Start with lean ground beef and beef sausage, which blend to create a flavorful and juicy meatball. Pay attention to details like removing sausage casings and incorporating freshly grated Parmesan cheese—the key components that elevate the dish.

Don’t forget the bread! Soaking white bread in cold water and mashing it creates a binder that ensures your meatballs remain tender and moist. This step is crucial and adds to the overall texture and taste, making it a must in any authentic recipe.

Preparation/setup

Start by soaking the bread in water, which takes about five minutes. While it softens, gather the rest of your ingredients—ground beef, sausage, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and an egg. Mixing these with the mashed bread forms the perfect meatball base.

Roll the meat mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter, a size that cooks evenly and fits perfectly in your sauce. Dredge them lightly in flour to give them a nice crust when seared. This step not only enhances flavor but also helps the meatballs hold their shape as they cook.

The Art of Making Perfect Meatballs

Technique

Once your meatballs are ready, heat light olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. This ensures each meatball gets a nice golden crust, locking in juices and flavor.

After searing, set the meatballs aside and use the same skillet to sauté the chopped onion. This step is crucial for building a robust sauce. As the onion softens, add minced garlic, allowing its aroma to meld with the onions, creating a fragrant base for the tomatoes.

Tips/tricks

To achieve the best results, use crushed tomatoes for the sauce. They provide a rich texture and flavor that canned tomato sauce might lack. For an enhanced taste, add bay leaves during the simmering process, although it’s optional, it adds depth to the sauce.

Remember to taste and season as you go. Adjusting salt and pepper levels is key to a balanced dish. Just before finishing, stir in finely chopped basil, which adds freshness and a pop of color, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

Achieving Sauce Perfection

Perfecting results

The secret to a perfect sauce is patience. Simmering the meatballs in the tomato sauce for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and intensify. This gentle cooking process ensures the meatballs become tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.

While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti according to package instructions. Use salted water, as it enhances the pasta’s flavor. Once cooked, drain and return it to the pot, ready to soak up the delicious sauce.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it. This not only adjusts the consistency but also adds flavor due to the starch content. For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce, a small change that can make a big difference.

Feel free to experiment with herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile. These small tweaks can personalize your dish and make it uniquely yours, reflecting your taste and creativity.

Serving and Pairing

Serving/presentation

When serving, mix the spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs, ensuring each strand is coated in flavor. For a family-style presentation, transfer everything to a large platter. It’s a visually appealing way to serve this classic dish, inviting everyone to dig in.

Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly chopped basil. These final touches not only enhance the dish’s appearance but also add layers of flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Pairings/storage

Pair your spaghetti and meatballs with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. These sides complement the flavors and textures of the main dish, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

For leftovers, store the spaghetti and sauce separately in airtight containers. This method keeps the pasta from soaking up too much sauce, ensuring it stays fresh. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water to the sauce if needed.

Conclusion

Crafting the best spaghetti and meatballs is all about attention to detail and quality ingredients. From soaking bread to the final sprinkle of Parmesan, each step plays a crucial role in the dish’s success. The result is a comforting meal that brings people together, creating lasting memories around the table.

With its rich flavors and hearty texture, this dish stands as a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, mastering this recipe will surely impress and delight. Keep these tips in mind, and enjoy the journey of making your own unforgettable spaghetti and meatballs.