Introduction
Few dishes evoke the warmth of home-cooked meals quite like spaghetti and meatballs. This classic Italian-American comfort food combines tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its use of a beef and sweet Italian sausage blend, ensuring juicy and flavorful meatballs. The homemade marinara sauce, simmered with garlic and basil, complements the meatballs perfectly, making this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs (Makes 22–23 meatballs):
- 3 slices white bread (crusts removed), diced or torn into pieces
- 2/3 cup cold water
- 1 lb lean ground beef (7%–15% fat)
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 Tbsp light olive oil (or vegetable oil for sautéing)
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes (from two 28 oz cans)
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely minced
Other Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Bread: Fresh white bread provides moisture, but day-old bread works well too.
- Meat: A mix of ground beef and pork can be used if Italian sausage isn’t available.
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano can substitute Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Herbs: Dried basil can be used in place of fresh; use 1 tsp dried for every Tbsp fresh.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- Soak bread pieces in 2/3 cup cold water for 5 minutes, then mash with a fork.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, mashed bread, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about the size of a flat ice cream scoop).
- Dredge meatballs in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 3 Tbsp oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Sauté until browned on all sides (about 6 minutes total).
- Remove meatballs and set aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
3. Make the Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion over medium heat until soft and golden (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a light boil, ensuring it’s actively boiling.
- Return meatballs to the pan, partially cover with a lid or splatter screen, and simmer gently for 30 minutes, turning meatballs occasionally.
- Five minutes before the sauce is done, stir in chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and return to the empty pot.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Pour sauce and meatballs over the cooked spaghetti. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve family-style on a large platter, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: When combining meatball ingredients, mix just until combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Simmer Gently: A gentle simmer prevents meatballs from breaking apart and allows flavors to meld.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning in the sauce as needed, especially after adding meatballs.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Enhance your meal with:
- A crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping.
- For a cozy appetizer, try this crockpot nacho dip.
- For a hearty side, consider these easy turkey wings.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Meatballs and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
Final Thoughts
This homemade spaghetti and meatballs recipe brings the comfort of a classic Italian-American dish to your table. With tender meatballs, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that’s sure to please. Share your experience and any tweaks you make—I’d love to hear how it turns out!
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