Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs with Rich Tomato Sauce
Serves: 4–5 people
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for frying
For the Tomato Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
For the Pasta:
12 ounces (about 3/4 pound) spaghetti
Salt, for pasta water
To Serve:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, garlic, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently with your hands until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
Roll into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add meatballs and brown on all sides (they don't need to cook through — they will finish in the sauce).
Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
Sauté diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Meatballs:
Gently nestle the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce.
Cover partially and cook on low heat for about 20–25 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld.
4. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and toss lightly with a little olive oil if desired.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Serve a generous portion of spaghetti onto a blue-and-white floral plate.
Top with meatballs and spoon plenty of sauce over the top.
Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Optional: garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Plating Tip:
Rest a fork and spoon with wooden handles side-by-side on the plate for a homey, inviting look — just like in the cozy dining setup you described. 🥰
Would you also like a quick tip on how to make the meatballs extra juicy (like adding a little ricotta cheese to the mix)? It’s a secret a lot of Italian home cooks use! 🍝✨