Imagine twirling your fork through a nest of perfectly cooked spaghetti, each bite adorned with a succulent, homemade meatball that's been lovingly seasoned and baked to perfection.
That's the promise of this spaghetti and meatballs recipe — a classic comfort dish that's been elevated with fresh herbs and a blend of beef and pork for the ultimate flavor.
Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is a surefire way to bring the family together for a meal that's as hearty as it is delicious.
Read on to discover how to make and perfect this dish!
Why This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Works
- Perfect blend of meats: Merging ground beef with pork, this spaghetti and meatball recipe delivers a delectable taste. The savory mix enhances the pasta, making each meatball a standout addition to your meal.
- Fresh herbs infusion: Chopped fresh rosemary, parsley, and thyme elevate the meatballs with an aromatic kick. This fresh herb blend surpasses the flavor that dried herbs offer, adding a garden-fresh touch to each bite.
- Effortless preparation: This spaghetti and meatball recipe is a time-saving delight, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish. Using a mini food processor and meat thermometer, preparation is a breeze, and the results are consistently perfect.
Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs
The key to these mouthwatering meatballs lies in the quality of ingredients.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% fat or greater)
- 1 pound ground pork
- ¼ large white or yellow onion, finely minced
- 3 to 4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (+ additional for serving)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, woody stems removed
- 16-ounce box spaghetti
- 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- Sprigs of fresh basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Process for Spaghetti and Meatballs
Create a hearty and filling meal for your family in just a few easy steps. Follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs
Start by adjusting your oven racks so the oven is divided into thirds. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, and whole milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Mixing Everything Together
Add the chopped herbs to the bowl. Combine all the ingredients using clean hands until well blended. Do not overwork.
Step 3: Forming the Meatballs
Using an ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls and arrange them on two rimmed baking sheets, ensuring they're not crowded to allow even cooking.
Step 4: Baking the Meatballs
Place the two baking sheets in the oven for 8 minutes. Remove them from the oven and turn each of the meatballs using a spatula. Return them to the oven, placing each baking sheet on a different rack from where it was originally.
Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes or until several of the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Cooking the Pasta
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and rinse the spaghetti, then set it aside.
Step 6: Simmering Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara into a skillet over medium-low heat. One by one, carefully add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Turn the meatballs while cooking to fully coat them in marinara sauce.
Step 6: Assembling and Serving
Pile the cooked spaghetti onto a serving platter, top with the saucy meatballs, and garnish with parmesan and fresh basil for a picture-perfect meal. Enjoy!
Pro Cooking Tips To Make The Perfect Spaghetti and Meatballs Dish
- Use high-quality meats only.
Opt for high-quality meats; a blend of 80% lean beef and fattier pork ensures moist and flavorful meatballs. The fat content is crucial for tender meatballs that don't dry out during cooking.
- Combine bread crumbs and milk.
Soak your bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meat mixture. This step, known as a panade, helps to keep the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming too dense.
- User aromatic herbs.
Fresh herbs can make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried ones. Finely chop fresh parsley, basil, or oregano for a vibrant taste that dried herbs can't quite replicate.
- Baking is better than frying.
Instead of frying, bake your meatballs in the oven. This method promotes even cooking and browning without the need for excess oil, and it's also less labor-intensive.
- Take your time when simmering meatballs in sauce.
After baking, simmer the meatballs in your marinara sauce for at least 20 minutes. This step infuses the sauce with the meaty flavors and makes the meatballs even more tender and juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Keep My Meatballs From Falling Apart?
Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture and use a scoop to ensure uniform size for even cooking. Gentle handling is key to maintaining their shape during cooking.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge a day in advance or freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
Is It Necessary To Use Both Beef and Pork?
While this combination offers great flavor and texture, you can use all beef if preferred. Just ensure it's at least 80% fat for juicy meatballs.
How Can I Tell When the Meatballs Are Done?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 160°F, which will rise to a safe 165°F as they rest.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80% fat or greater
- 1 pound ground pork
- ¼ large white or yellow onion finely minced
- 3 to 4 large cloves garlic finely minced
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated (+ additional for serving)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves woody stems removed
- 16- ounce box spaghetti
- 24- ounce jar marinara sauce
- Sprigs of fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Adjust your oven racks so your oven is divided into thirds. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, and whole milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chopped herbs to the bowl and combine everything using clean hands. Do not overwork.
- Form the mixture into balls and arrange them on two baking sheets. Do not overcrowd.
- Place the meatballs in the oven for 8 minutes. Remove from oven, turn each meatball, and return to the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes or until several meatballs have an internal temperature of 160°F. Set aside.
- While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Pour the marinara into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Turn the meatballs while cooking to fully coat them in the sauce.
- Pile the cooked spaghetti onto a serving platter, top with the saucy meatballs, and garnish with parmesan and fresh basil.
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- 40+ Delicious Vegan Pasta Recipes To Savor Without the Guilt
Look Forward to Dinner With This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe!
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