Irresistible Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs Recipe

Ah, there's something truly special about a plate of Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs. It's like a warm, comforting hug from your favorite Italian grandma, even if you don't have one! The tender, juicy meatballs, seasoned just right, nestled atop a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce - it's a flavor explosion that takes you straight to Italy.

Plus, the satisfaction of knowing you made those meatballs from scratch? Priceless. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish never fails to steal the show and leave everyone craving seconds. Get ready for a taste of Italian home cooking that's as heartwarming as it is delicious!

A dish that reflects your taste and style.

And let's not forget the fun factor - making those meatballs is an adventure in itself! The squishing of ingredients between your fingers, the aroma of herbs and spices filling your kitchen, and the anticipation of seeing those meatballs sizzle to perfection - it's a culinary journey worth savoring. The best part? You can customize your meatballs to your heart's content. Add a touch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, toss in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness, or sneak in finely chopped veggies for a healthy twist. It's all about creating a dish that reflects your taste and style. So, if you're ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of homemade meatballs and spaghetti, stay tuned; we've got some mouthwatering tips and tricks coming your way!

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yields: Approximately 28-30 meatballs

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A dish that reflects your taste and style.
Ingredients needed to make Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs
How to make Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs
Variations on the Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs recipe
Equipment used when making Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs
Storage for the Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs
Top tips to know when making Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs
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Pairing

Ingredients needed to make Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs

1 lbs. ground beef (80% fat or greater)
1 lbs. ground pork
¼ large white or yellow onion, finely minced
3-4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
½ c. Italian breadcrumbs
¼ c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (+ additional for serving)
2 large eggs
½ c. whole milk
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 T. fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
1 T. fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 T. fresh thyme leaves, woody stems removed
1 16-oz. box spaghetti
1 24-oz. jar marinara sauce
Sprigs fresh basil, for garnish

How to make Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs

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Variations on the Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs recipe

Here are 10 delightful variations to give your Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs recipe a fresh twist:

Turkey Tango: Swap out beef for ground turkey to create lean and flavorful turkey meatballs that are just as delicious.
Veggie Delight: Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into your meatballs for added texture and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or minced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a fiery punch of flavor.
Asian Fusion: Infuse an Asian flair by using ground pork, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for a unique twist on classic meatballs.
Cheesy Surprise: Stuff each meatball with a cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a gooey, cheesy center.
Mediterranean Magic: Season your meatballs with Mediterranean herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, and serve them over couscous or orzo pasta.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Replace breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free oats to make gluten-free meatballs that everyone can enjoy.
Pesto Perfection: Drizzle homemade or store-bought pesto over your meatballs and spaghetti for a burst of herbal goodness.
Quinoa Twist: Mix cooked quinoa into your meatball mixture for added protein and a delightful nutty flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and create meatless meatballs using ingredients like lentils, beans, or mushrooms for a hearty and vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Feel free to experiment with these variations or combine a few to create your own unique meatball masterpiece. Whether you're craving a classic favorite or an exciting twist, there's a meatball variation for every palate.

Equipment used when making Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs

mixing bowl
ice-cream scoop
spatula

Storage for the Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs

You can store your Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days while maintaining its quality and safety. To ensure freshness:

Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.
Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
Label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness.
When reheating, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature (at least 165°F or 74°C) to kill any potential bacteria.

Top tips to know when making Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs

Here are 10 top tips to keep in mind when making Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs:

Mix It Right: Gently mix the meatball mixture just until combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
Size Matters: Keep your meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Aim for golf ball-sized meatballs.
Preheat the Pan: Preheat your skillet before adding meatballs for a nice sear on the outside.
Baking Option: Consider baking your meatballs on a lined baking sheet for a healthier alternative to frying.
Sear for Flavor: After baking, give your meatballs a quick sear in the skillet to lock in flavor.
Simmer Slowly: Simmer meatballs in sauce over low heat for a longer time to let them soak up all that delicious flavor.
Test for Doneness: To check if meatballs are cooked through, cut one in half – it should be no longer pink in the center.
Quality Pasta: Use good-quality spaghetti pasta for that perfect al dente texture.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
Garnish Gracefully: Finish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.

With these top tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs dish that's sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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