Real Meatballs and Spaghetti

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty plate of meatballs and spaghetti—it’s the perfect comfort food that never fails to hit the spot. The combination of savory, tender meatballs paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a rich, flavorful marinara sauce creates a meal that feels like home. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a weeknight or preparing it for a special dinner, Real Meatballs and Spaghetti is always a crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll dive into the history of this beloved dish, break down the ingredients, and provide a step-by-step guide to making your own real meatballs from scratch. We’ll also cover tips on how to perfect the recipe and give it your own personal twist. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through making a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Why Choose Real Meatballs and Spaghetti?

There are plenty of reasons why meatballs and spaghetti continues to be a favorite around the world. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

Health Benefits of Meatballs and Spaghetti:

• Protein-Rich Meatballs: The meatballs are made from lean ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork), which provides a great source of protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and immune health.
• Tomato Sauce Antioxidants: The marinara sauce is packed with tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known to promote heart health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Fiber from Pasta: When paired with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, spaghetti adds fiber to your meal, which is important for digestive health and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Customizable for Dietary Needs: You can easily make meatballs gluten-free or low-fat by substituting ingredients like breadcrumbs or using leaner meats. You can also adjust the sauce to suit your preferences, making this dish versatile for various diets.

Ingredients for Real Meatballs and Spaghetti

For a delicious plate of Real Meatballs and Spaghetti, you’ll need fresh ingredients that will deliver big flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean is ideal for juiciness)
• 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, for extra flavor and tenderness)
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup milk (for moistness)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti (or gluten-free pasta)
• Salted water for cooking the pasta

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Additional parmesan cheese for serving

How to Make Real Meatballs and Spaghetti

This recipe is relatively simple to make, and the result is a deliciously hearty meal. Here’s how to make the perfect Real Meatballs and Spaghetti from scratch:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and milk. The milk helps keep the meatballs tender and moist.
2. Form the Meatballs:
   Using your hands, gently mix everything together until combined. Then, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Try not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
   Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
3. Add the Meatballs to the Sauce:
   Gently add the browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally, until they are cooked through and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Boil the Pasta:
   While the meatballs are simmering in the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente.
2. Drain the Pasta:
   Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Dish:
   Serve the spaghetti on plates and top with the meatballs and marinara sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
2. Garnish:
   Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
3. Serve Hot:
   Serve the meatballs and spaghetti immediately, with extra parmesan on the side for those who want a little more flavor.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs and Spaghetti

• Use Lean Meat: For juicy meatballs, use a combination of ground beef and pork. If you prefer a leaner option, go for all ground turkey or chicken, but add a little olive oil to keep the meatballs moist.
• Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for at least 25 minutes. This will help them absorb the flavors and become incredibly tender.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and homemade breadcrumbs will elevate the flavor of the dish significantly.
• Make It Ahead: You can make the meatballs and sauce in advance and freeze them for an easy dinner later. Simply cook the meatballs, allow them to cool, and freeze in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Real Meatballs and Spaghetti is a timeless dish that’s always sure to satisfy. The combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs in a rich, tangy marinara sauce, paired with perfectly cooked pasta, creates a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself to something comforting, this recipe will not disappoint.

By making the meatballs from scratch and using fresh, quality ingredients, you’re sure to create a meal that’s both flavorful and filling. Try it tonight and enjoy the true taste of comfort food.