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Spaghetti and meatballs with rich tomato sauce and fresh Parmesan cheese on white plate, homemade Italian pasta recipe

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Aliana Recipes
This traditional Italian dinner features tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce over al dente pasta. My family gathers around the table for this comfort meal because the milk-soaked breadcrumbs ensure every bite is moist.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings:8 people
Course:Dinner
Cuisine:Italian
Calories:580kcal
Cost:$18
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti pasta Cooked al dente
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
  • ½ lb ground pork For flavor depth
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Plain or Italian style
  • ½ cup whole milk To soak crumbs
  • 1 large egg Beaten lightly
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for garnish
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced Yellow or white
  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes (28 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil For browning
  • salt and pepper To taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet For sauce and meatballs
  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Mixing bowl For meat mixture

Method
 

  1. Mix meats, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, and aromatics gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into golf-ball sized spheres and rest for 10 minutes to set the shape.
  3. Brown the meatballs in hot oil for 10 minutes until a crust forms on all sides.
  4. Sauté onions in the drippings then add tomatoes and seasonings to build the sauce base.
  5. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 25 minutes until cooked through and flavorful.
  6. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente while the sauce finishes cooking.
  7. Toss pasta with sauce and top with meatballs to serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 380gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 25mg

Notes

Soak breadcrumbs in milk to create a panade before mixing with the meat for superior tenderness. I learned that skipping this step or pressing on the meatballs while browning turns them into dense hockey pucks.