Savory Spaghetti and Hearty Meatballs
This Savory Spaghetti and Hearty Meatballs recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family, combining tender meatballs with a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfectly cooked spaghetti soaks up the delicious tomato sauce, while the meatballs provide a juicy, savory bite. With easy-to-source ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish brings that classic Italian-American comfort right to your table without the fuss. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite, winning over even the most skeptical palates!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic Cloves
4 (minced)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Crushed Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (none)
Tomato Sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Ground Pork or Veal
1 lb (none)
Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
3/4 cup (grated, plus extra for serving)
Beef Bouillon Cubes
2 (none)
Bay Leaf
1 (none)
Spaghetti
1 lb (none)
Butter
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil for the spaghetti.
2
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the chopped onion and half of the minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in both the crushed tomatoes and the tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes to develop flavor.
4
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the meatballs. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or veal), remaining minced garlic, chopped parsley, beaten egg, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano cheese, and additional salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly, then shape into meatballs the size of large walnuts.
5
Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering sauce, allowing them to cook through for approximately 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
6
To the pot of boiling water, add the beef bouillon cubes and bay leaf. Once the cubes have dissolved, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
7
Before draining the spaghetti, reserve a ladle of the pasta water to enrich the sauce. Drain the spaghetti and remove the bay leaf from the water.
8
Once the meatballs are thoroughly cooked, stir the reserved pasta water and butter into the sauce to create a richer consistency.
9
Transfer the drained spaghetti to a large serving bowl. Pour the sauce and meatballs over the top. Finish with the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano cheese. Serve hot, passing extra cheese at the table.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spaghetti and Hearty Meatballs?
It is a classic, comforting Italian-American meal featuring tender meatballs made from pork or veal in a rich tomato sauce served over spaghetti.
What meat is recommended for the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground pork or veal to ensure a juicy and savory bite.
Can I substitute ground beef for the pork or veal?
Yes, ground beef can be used as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the texture and flavor profile of the meatballs.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, which should be minced and divided between the sauce and the meatball mixture.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The sauce is made using one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding the meatballs?
The sauce should simmer gently for approximately 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
What size should I make the meatballs?
The meatball mixture should be shaped into meatballs roughly the size of large walnuts.
How long do the meatballs need to cook in the sauce?
Once dropped into the sauce, the meatballs should cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are fully cooked through.
Why are beef bouillon cubes added to the pasta water?
Two beef bouillon cubes are added to the boiling water to infuse the spaghetti with extra savory flavor while it cooks.
What is the purpose of adding a bay leaf to the boiling water?
The bay leaf adds a subtle aromatic depth to the spaghetti as it boils.
How much spaghetti does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spaghetti.
How do I know when the spaghetti is done?
The spaghetti should be cooked until it is al dente, following the specific instructions provided on the pasta packaging.
Why should I reserve a ladle of pasta water?
The starchy pasta water is reserved to be stirred back into the sauce at the end to help create a richer consistency.
When should I add the butter to the recipe?
Two tablespoons of butter are stirred into the sauce along with the reserved pasta water once the meatballs are fully cooked.
What type of cheese is used in the meatballs?
The meatballs contain 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for the meatballs.
Is an egg necessary for the meatballs?
Yes, one beaten egg is included in the meatball mixture to act as a binder so they hold their shape while cooking.
What kind of parsley is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of chopped fresh flat leaf parsley.
How do I prepare the onion?
One small onion should be chopped and sautéed in olive oil for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Are the meatballs browned in a skillet first?
No, the meatballs are carefully dropped directly into the simmering tomato sauce to cook.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the aromatics for the sauce.
What is the total amount of Parmigiano cheese needed?
A total of 3/4 cup is used: 1/2 cup goes into the meatballs and 1/4 cup is used for finishing the dish.
How should the dish be served?
Transfer the drained spaghetti to a large bowl, pour the meatballs and sauce over it, and sprinkle with extra cheese.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights with minimal prep time and straightforward steps.
Can I use salt and pepper to taste?
Yes, salt and pepper are used to season both the tomato sauce and the meatball mixture according to your preference.
What should I do with the bay leaf after cooking?
The bay leaf should be removed from the pasta water or discarded after the spaghetti is drained.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While servings are not specified, the use of 1 lb of pasta and 1 lb of meat typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What is the texture of the meatballs?
The meatballs are described as tender, juicy, and hearty.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, spaghetti and meatballs freeze well in an airtight container for future meals.
Is the garlic preparation important?
Yes, the garlic should be minced to ensure it distributes evenly throughout both the sauce and the meatballs.