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Spaghetti with Meatballs

Name: Spaghetti with Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 500 grams Beef mince; 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs; 2 Egg; 400 grams Diced Tomatoes (Polpa); 1/2 Onion; 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tbsp Chopped parsley; 1 tbsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Paprika Powder; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Ginger Powder; 1 tsp Cumin; 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder; 1 tsp Oregano

ByAva
Published OnFeb 15, 2024
Updated OnApr 8, 2026

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Today, we are making spaghetti with Meatballs. Who can resist a warm and delicious plate of spaghetti with meatballs? This classic dish has been enjoyed for ages, and once you take your first bite, you’ll realize that it’s one of the top ten ultimate comfort foods in the world.

Spaghetti and meatballs were popularized by Italian immigrants in America. Interestingly, the idea of meatballs is not exclusive to Italy. The origin of meatballs can be traced back to Ancient Persia, where they were referred to as Kofta. The Swedes have also created their own version, known as köttbullar. A perfect plate of Spaghetti and meatballs starts with good-quality pasta cooked al dente, a well-seasoned tomato sauce with the right combination of spices and herbs, and meatballs bound with breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

Mince Beef, Breadcrumbs, Egg, Red onion, Diced Tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Garlic powder, Paprika Powder, Salt, Ginger Powder, Cumin Powder, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano.

To make delicious meatballs, start with high-quality minced meat. When mixing your ground meat with other ingredients, be careful not to overmix; gently combine everything instead. Adding a splash of milk can keep your meatballs moist on the inside. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can substitute a slice of bread. Soak the bread in milk, then squeeze out the excess liquid with your hands. This method works as a binding ingredient.

If your meatballs are falling apart, it might be due to the humidity in your area. To help with this, refrigerate the ground meat for 30 minutes before shaping and cooking the meatballs. You can also prepare the cooked meatballs ahead of time, which is helpful when you have many guests.

Instruction

Chop the onion and garlic, and divide them into two portions. Add two-thirds of the onion to a bowl. Exclude 1/3 of the onion for the tomato sauce. Add the eggs, chopped parsley, and spices to the bowl. Add the minced meat to a bowl, along with the breadcrumbs. Mix well. Shape into meatballs.

Heat some cooking oil in a pan. Add one-third of the chopped onion and garlic, and caramelize until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, add your meatballs to the pan and fry them. The meatballs need space to brown properly. It will take approximately three to five minutes for the meatballs to brown on each side.

Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Next, add a can of diced tomatoes to the pan and lightly season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. To reduce acidity, you can also add a pinch of sugar. Alternatively, you could use a jar of pre-made marinara sauce or basil pesto, which will significantly reduce your cooking time. If you choose to use a store-bought sauce, be sure to taste it before adding any additional salt, sugar, or spices to check the overall flavor.

After a few minutes, return the cooked meatballs to the pan. They were set aside to allow the onions and garlic to caramelize; if you had left the meatballs in the pan, they would have turned out dry on the inside. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce. Cook the pasta for 9 minutes, until it is al dente. Remember to reserve some pasta water to mix into the sauce with the spaghetti. Add the spaghetti directly to the pan and mix thoroughly. Gradually add a tablespoon of pasta water at a time.

Once the sauce has a glossy, smooth appearance, it is ready. Allowing the spaghetti to meld with the meatballs and sauce will result in a more flavorful dish.

What to Serve with Spaghetti with Meatballs?

You can serve meatballs and spaghetti with garlic bread for a classic pairing. A vegetarian Caesar salad would also be a tasty alternative. Additionally, roasted cauliflower makes for a delicious side dish that complements the meal well. Enjoy!

How to Store Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Store the Spaghetti and Meatballs in the fridge. It will last for three to four days. Freezing meatballs is also possible and works well, especially, if you’re planning on making a huge quantity of meatballs with sauce, consider storing it separately from the Spaghetti and Sauce.