Classic Italian Spaghetti with Succulent Meatballs
Experience the rich, authentic taste of Italian cuisine with this homemade spaghetti sauce and remarkably tender meatballs. This traditional recipe, cherished for over a decade, combines the depth of spices and the freshness of tomatoes, creating a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The meatballs, made from a blend of ground beef and seasonings, are baked to perfection and then gently simmered in the sauce for maximum flavor infusion. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish will transform a simple meal into an extraordinary experience. Serve with al dente spaghetti for a truly classic Italian feast that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground round
1 1/2 lbs (raw)
Slightly stale bread
3 slices (crumbled)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Water
1/4 cup (liquid)
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
Dried parsley
2 tablespoons (dried)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Onion
1 medium (minced)
Garlic clove
1 medium (minced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Crushed tomatoes
(28 ounce) can (canned)
Tomato paste
(6 ounce) can (canned)
Tomato sauce
14 1/2 ounces (canned)
Water
1 cup (liquid)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Basil salt
1 teaspoon (dried)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Dry red wine
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground round, crumbled bread, egg, water, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Shape the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs and place them on a greased baking sheet.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway to ensure even cooking.
5
While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent, about 4 minutes.
6
In a large crockpot or stockpot, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, 1 cup of water, additional parsley, basil salt, sugar, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
7
Once the meatballs are baked, drain any excess grease and add the meatballs to the sauce. If desired, stir in the dry red wine for added depth of flavor.
8
Cover and let simmer on low heat, ideally for several hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
9
When ready to serve, cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions, but for the best experience, use spaghetti. Dress the spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs, serve hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is used for the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ground round for the meatballs.
What oven temperature is required to bake the meatballs?
The meatballs should be baked in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake for a total of 30 minutes.
Should I flip the meatballs while they are baking?
Yes, you should turn the meatballs halfway through the 30-minute baking time to ensure even cooking.
What kind of bread is recommended for the meatball mixture?
The recipe suggests using three slices of slightly stale bread, crumbled.
How large should I shape the meatballs?
The meat mixture should be shaped into walnut-sized meatballs.
What is the purpose of the egg in this recipe?
The egg acts as a binder to hold the meatball ingredients together.
What cheese is included in the meatballs?
The meatballs contain 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How should I prepare the onion and garlic for the sauce?
Both the onion and garlic should be minced and then sautéed in olive oil until translucent.
How long should the onion and garlic be sautéed?
They should be sautéed for approximately 4 minutes over medium heat.
What tomato products are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
Can I add alcohol to the sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/4 cup of dry red wine for added depth of flavor, though it is optional.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should ideally simmer on low heat for several hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What is the secret to the sauce's balanced flavor?
The recipe includes a teaspoon of sugar to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Is there a specific salt used for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifies using basil salt in the sauce mixture.
What herbs are used in the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with dried parsley and dried oregano.
What herbs are used in the sauce?
The sauce features fresh chopped parsley and basil salt.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
While you can use any pasta, the recipe specifically recommends serving the sauce and meatballs over spaghetti.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan?
The meatballs should be placed on a greased baking sheet before being put in the oven.
What should I do with the meatball grease?
You should drain any excess grease from the meatballs after baking and before adding them to the sauce.
Can I cook the sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, the recipe notes that a crockpot or a large stockpot can be used to simmer the sauce.
Is water added to the meatball mixture?
Yes, 1/4 cup of water is added to the ground round and bread mixture.
Is water added to the sauce?
Yes, 1 cup of water is stirred into the tomato mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 21 total ingredients listed for this spaghetti and meatballs recipe.
What oil is used for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the aromatics.
What is the texture of the meatballs?
The meatballs are described as remarkably tender and succulent.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked according to package instructions, ideally to an al dente texture.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
What is the origin of this recipe's style?
This is a classic Italian-style recipe designed for an authentic taste.
How long has this recipe been cherished?
According to the description, this traditional recipe has been cherished for over a decade.