Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 500g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 egg (for binding)
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 30g cheese (grated, like Parmesan or mozzarella)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 700g tomatoes (chopped, or use canned crushed tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For the Pasta:

• 250g spaghetti (about 9 oz)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• Wheat flour (for dusting meatballs)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, egg, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, round meatballs, about the size of a walnut. This should make around 15-20 meatballs, depending on their size.
3. Dust with Flour: Lightly roll each meatball in wheat flour. This will help them brown nicely and prevent them from sticking when you cook them.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. They do not need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes if using). Add oregano, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly, and the flavors will start to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
3. Drain the Pasta: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it, but save a small cup of pasta water in case you need it to adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Meatballs in the Sauce

1. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Carefully place the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce, making sure they’re mostly submerged.
2. Simmer Together: Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for an additional 10–15 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Stir occasionally and gently to avoid breaking up the meatballs.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

1. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and meatballs, or serve the sauce and meatballs on top of the spaghetti.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle additional chopped parsley and grated cheese on top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, homemade spaghetti with meatballs!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~580 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 8g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Calcium: 15% Daily Value (DV)
• Iron: 25% DV
• Vitamin C: 30% DV

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or linguine.

2. Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes! Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them before cooking and thaw in the fridge before browning.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the minced meat with plant-based ground meat or use a combination of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and additional breadcrumbs.

4. Do I have to use fresh tomatoes?
Not at all! Canned crushed tomatoes work well for the sauce and save preparation time. Just make sure to use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Spaghetti with Meatballs

1. Don’t Overwork the Meat Mixture
When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to over-mix. This can make the meatballs dense and tough. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.

2. Cook the Meatballs in Batches
When browning the meatballs, avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause them to steam rather than brown. Work in batches for best results.

3. Use Fresh Herbs if Possible
If you have access to fresh oregano and parsley, use them for a more vibrant flavor. Fresh herbs can make a big difference in taste.

4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency with Pasta Water
If your sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the spaghetti.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing: The sauce and meatballs freeze well. Freeze them together in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.

Reheating: To reheat, add a small amount of water or broth to the sauce to prevent it from drying out, and warm over medium heat until hot.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a classic recipe that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With its rich tomato sauce, tender meatballs, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep, as it’s easy to store and reheat. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit different dietary needs with simple substitutions. Enjoy this timeless recipe that will surely become a favorite in your household. Buon appetito!