Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 528kcal
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs are always a sure-fire winner. Make the marinara sauce in advance and be sure to chill the meatballs before browning (they can even be prepared in advance). And then bring it all together in a nice large skillet.
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Equipment
- 1 Large non-stick skillet
- 1 large pot for simmering
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 8 cups marinara sauce
For the Fresh Italian Breadcrumbs
- 2 slices white bread crusts removed and torn into pieces
- 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Pinch pepper
For the Meatballs
- 3 slices white bread crusts removed (let them sit out for about an hour)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ lb beef ground, 85% lean
- ½ lb pork ground
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs see recipe below
- 3 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoon basil fresh, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated, or Romano, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for searing the meatballs
- 1 lb dried spaghetti
Instructions
Do Ahead
- Make the marinara sauce (see the link for the recipe in the Ingredients list)8 cups marinara sauce
Make the Italian Breadcrumbs
- Process the bread in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until finely ground. Set aside.2 slices white bread, 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp Salt, Pinch pepper
Make the Meatballs
- Tear the bread into pieces and place it in a bowl. Add the milk and let it sit for a few minutes to fully absorb. Set aside.3 slices white bread, 1 cup whole milk
- In a large mixing bowl, use your hands to mix together the beef, pork, and eggs. Now add the Italian breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, salt, garlic, and pepper. Mix well.1½ lb beef, ½ lb pork, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs, 3 tbsp parsley, 2 tbsp basil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper
- Squeeze the milk-soaked bread and add to the meat mixture. Add the Parmesan cheese, and mix until fully combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator. Fill a small bowl with water and have it near the meat mixture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or wax paper). Wet your hands and pull enough of the meat mixture to form a ball with your hands slightly larger than a golf ball, approx. 3 oz. Place the ball on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and continue with the remaining meat mixture. You should yield about 15 to 17 meatballs. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 2, or longer.
- Heat the olive oil (2 tbsp) in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, and working in batches, add 3 or 4 meatballs and cook them for about 10 minutes, carefully turning them frequently until they are browned on all sides. Use a couple of forks or spoons to help maintain a spherical shape as they brown. Transfer to a platter and continue until all balls have been browned. Set aside. (They will still be pink in the center - they will finish cooking while simmering in the marina.)2 tbsp olive oil
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, heat the marina over medium heat.8 cups marinara sauce
- Slowly, and carefully, add the meatballs and any accumulated juices to the marina. Simmer for 45 minutes to 2 hours. Watch the pan, gently stir often, and don't let the bottom of the pan burn!
Bring It All Together
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 10 - 11 minutes.1 lb dried spaghetti
- Reserve about a cup of the pasta water, and then drain the pasta.
- Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add about a cup of the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta, and incorporate the sauce so it coats the pasta. Add a little of the pasta water to loosen the pasta.
- Add more sauce, stir, and add more pasta water if needed. Transfer to a serving platter. Add meatballs to the top, and pass with extra sauce.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve at once.
Video
Notes
NOTE: Watch the video in the recipe card for visual guidance.
The marinara sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance (keep covered in the fridge) or frozen for up to 2 months.
The meatballs can also be done in advance. Brown them and then refrigerate them (up to overnight). Place cooked meatballs in the marinara and simmer for at least 1 hour.
Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The meatballs freeze nicely and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let thaw completely and then heat in an oven-proof pot or dish, covered, with a cup or two of the sauce over the top. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 2100mg | Potassium: 1530mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1917IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 432mg | Iron: 7mg