Classic Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs
Experience the nostalgia of homemade Italian comfort food with this Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. This heartwarming dish combines tender, flavorful meatballs made from a delightful mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, enhanced with spices and fresh ingredients. Paired with perfectly al dente spaghetti and a rich, savory tomato sauce, this meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Even my most discerning parents were won over by this scrumptious dish - it truly is the best spaghetti and meatballs you will ever taste!
N/A
Servings
477
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
bulgur
1/3 cup (soaked in hot water)
hot water
1/2 cup (for soaking bulgur)
lean ground beef
4 ounces (raw)
Italian sausage
4 ounces (raw)
onion
1 medium (very finely chopped)
egg whites
2 large (lightly beaten)
garlic cloves
3 (very finely chopped)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
spaghetti sauce
4 cups (your favorite flavor, heated)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (chopped, or use parsley)
spaghetti or linguine
1 lb (whole-wheat, cooked)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for serving, optional)
Romano cheese
1 ounce (grated, optional)
Instructions
1
To prepare the meatballs, combine bulgur and hot water in a small bowl. Let it soak for about 30 minutes until the bulgur is tender and all the water is absorbed.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a rack with cooking spray and set it over a baking sheet lined with foil to catch drips.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, lightly beaten egg whites, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, ground pepper, and the soaked bulgur. Mix until thoroughly combined.
4
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making about 24 meatballs, and place them on the prepared rack.Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until cooked through, then blot with a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
5
While the meatballs are baking, simmer your preferred spaghetti sauce in a separate pan until heated through.
6
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the simmering sauce. Cover and let them simmer together for an additional 20 minutes to meld the flavors. Stir in freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
7
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-wheat spaghetti (or linguine) until just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
8
Top the hot spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce, and serve warm. Garnish with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
43g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Classic Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs.
What meats are used in the meatballs?
The meatballs are made with a combination of 4 ounces of lean ground beef and 4 ounces of Italian sausage.
How is the bulgur prepared for the recipe?
Combine 1/3 cup of bulgur with 1/2 cup of hot water and let it soak for about 30 minutes until tender and the water is absorbed.
What is the oven temperature for baking meatballs?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 24 meatballs.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meatball mixture should be formed into 1-inch meatballs.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until they are cooked through.
How do you handle excess grease after baking the meatballs?
After baking, blot the meatballs with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of your favorite flavor of spaghetti sauce.
How long do the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
Once baked, the meatballs should simmer in the sauce for an additional 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of whole-wheat spaghetti or linguine.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until it is just tender.
What herbs are added at the end of cooking?
Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
What kind of cheese can be used for garnish?
You can use 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or 1 ounce of grated Romano cheese.
How many egg whites are needed for the meatball mixture?
The recipe requires 2 large egg whites that have been lightly beaten.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 477 calories in a serving of this spaghetti and meatballs recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 19g of fat.
How much protein is provided per serving?
This dish provides 26g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 43g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How many garlic cloves are used in the meatballs?
The recipe uses 3 very finely chopped garlic cloves.
What seasonings are added to the meatball mixture?
The meatballs are seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be very finely chopped before being added to the meat mixture.
How do you prepare the baking sheet for the meatballs?
Coat a rack with cooking spray and set it over a baking sheet lined with foil to catch drips.
Is the bulgur cooked before adding it to the meat?
No, the bulgur is soaked in hot water for 30 minutes until tender but not pre-boiled.
Can I use parsley instead of basil?
Yes, the recipe allows for either freshly chopped basil or parsley to be used.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include spaghetti, meatballs, Italian, comfort food, family meal, pasta, one dish meal, and homemade.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, the description highlights it as a heartwarming dish perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 15 ingredients listed for this recipe.
How is the dish served?
Top the hot spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce, then serve warm with optional grated cheese.
What is the purpose of the bulgur in the meatballs?
The bulgur acts as a binder and texture enhancer, contributing to the tenderness of the meatballs.