Spaghetti with Meatballs

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic Spaghetti with Meatballs recipe, a perfect blend of hearty flavors and rich Italian tradition. Tender, juicy meatballs made from a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs are browned to perfection and then simmered in a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Served over a bed of al dente spaghetti, this satisfying dish is a family favorite that comes together in just an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe captures the essence of a homemade Italian meal while offering a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for an irresistible finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 500 grams ground beef
• 100 grams breadcrumbs
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 100 milliliters water

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, half of the chopped onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, placing them on a tray as you go.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, and red pepper flakes. Add water to thin the sauce slightly if it seems too thick.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet, covering them with the sauce.

Step 7

Cover the skillet partially and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 9

Once the meatballs are cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on a plate, spoon meatballs and sauce over the top, and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2224.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2991.7

Total Fat 150.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 623.5mg	0%
Sodium 6295.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 274.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.9g	0%
Total Sugars 57.4g
Protein 153.2g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 1065.2mg	0%
Iron 31.5mg	0%
Potassium 4776.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.2%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 35.8%