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Spaghetti Meatballs Recipe: A Timeless Comfort Classic

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A cozy, comforting classic perfect for Sunday dinners or anytime you need a satisfying homemade meal. This dish brings together tender meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti—a meal that’s loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

  • ½ lb ground pork

  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup chopped parsley

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Olive oil (for browning)

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb spaghetti

  • Salt (for boiling water)

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until soaked.

  • Add beef, pork, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

  • Form mixture into 1½-inch balls and set aside on a tray.

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown meatballs in batches on all sides; set aside.

  • In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion until soft (about 5 minutes).

  • Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 more minute.

  • Pour in crushed tomatoes. Add sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.

  • Gently place meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with a bit of sauce or oil.

  • Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.

Notes

  • Mix meatball ingredients gently to avoid dense texture.

  • Searing the meatballs adds flavor but don’t fully cook them during browning.

  • Let the sauce simmer to build depth and allow meatballs to absorb flavor.

  • Freeze extra portions for a quick future meal.

Find it online: https://cookingworthy.com/spaghetti-meatballs-recipe-a-timeless-comfort-classic/