Baked Meatball & Spaghetti
Indulging in a scrumptious plate of Baked Meatball & Spaghetti is like experiencing a warm, comforting hug for your taste buds. This Italian-American classic brings together juicy, tender meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich tomato sauce that bursts with flavor. Whether it’s a family dinner, a cozy date night, or simply a craving for comfort food, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef (about 500 g)
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Other Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Crafting the Perfect Meatballs
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything gently using your hands or a fork—just enough to bring the ingredients together without overworking the meat (this keeps the meatballs tender).
Shaping the Meatballs
Using your hands, roll the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1½ inches in diameter. Uniform size ensures even cooking. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking the Meatballs
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown beautifully. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
2. Preparing the Flavorful Sauce
Sautéing the Aromatics
In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3–4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
Simmering the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Stir well, then sprinkle in the sugar to balance the acidity. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavorful.
3. Bringing It All Together
Boiling the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mixing the Magic
Once the meatballs are baked, gently add them to the simmering sauce. Spoon the sauce over them and let them simmer together for 5–10 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently until the pasta is well coated.
4. Plating and Savoring
Serve the saucy spaghetti onto plates or a large serving dish. Top with the baked meatballs, drizzle extra sauce over the top, and garnish generously with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy every flavorful bite of this comforting, homemade Italian favorite!
Tip:
If you’d like to make it extra special, sprinkle mozzarella on top and bake the assembled dish for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden—turning it into a baked spaghetti casserole!
