Indulge in a classic Italian culinary masterpiece with our authentic Real Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe. This timeless dish, cherished for generations, tantalizes taste buds with its hearty meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, perfectly complemented by al dente spaghetti. Discover the art of crafting tender, juicy meatballs using a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, seasoned with a symphony of herbs and spices. Elevate your sauce with the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity. Experience the epitome of comfort food as you twirl your spaghetti, generously coated in the delectable meatball sauce, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. This comprehensive guide unveils not just one, but a collection of delectable recipes that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. From the classic Real Meatballs and Spaghetti to a lighter Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti, a vegetarian-friendly Lentil Meatballs and Spaghetti, and a gluten-free Spaghetti and Meatballs with Almond Flour, we've got you covered. Embark on a culinary journey that promises satisfaction with every bite, creating memories around the dinner table that will last a lifetime.
Let's cook with our recipes!
REAL MEATBALLS AND SPAGHETTI
For homemade Italian comfort, make Ina Garten's Real Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, starring veal, pork and beef.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories main-dish
Time 2h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Place the ground meats, both bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, egg, and 3/4 cup warm water in a bowl. Combine very lightly with a fork. Using your hands, lightly form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs. You will have 14 to 16 meatballs.
- Pour equal amounts of vegetable oil and olive oil into a large (12-inch) skillet to a depth of 1/4-inch. Heat the oil. Very carefully, in batches, place the meatballs in the oil and brown them well on all sides over medium-low heat, turning carefully with a spatula or a fork. This should take about 10 minutes for each batch. Don't crowd the meatballs. Remove the meatballs to a plate covered with paper towels. Discard the oil but don't clean the pan.
- For the sauce, heat the olive oil in the same pan. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the wine and cook on high heat, scraping up all the brown bits in the pan, until almost all the liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on the lowest heat for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve hot on cooked spaghetti and pass the grated Parmesan.
SUNDAY GRAVY (REAL ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE)AND MEATBALLS
Sauce the way mamas in ital make it--meatballs that melt in your mouth. If I was on death row this is what I would want! God's honest truth! PLEASE PLEASE use it for Recipe #73939--it's amazing.
Provided by Bri22
Categories Sauces
Time 3h10m
Yield 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- SAUCE: Heat oil in large heavy pot (use a seasoned pot if you have one). Place the pork in the pot and brown until just about cooked. Transfer pork to plate. Do the same with the sausage and transfer to plate. Leave fat in pot. Add whole peeled garlic cloves cook until tender. Put garlic on plate with meat and stir in tomato paste until "saucy". Chop up tomatoes leaving the tomato juice in the cans (I use my chopper) and add them to the pot.
- Then add 1/2 of one can of the juice to the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the meats and garlic to the sauce and bring to a boil. Turn down to low and cook for about 1 1/2 hours. Leave the sauce on low and remove all the meat and garlic cloves.
- Mix all ingredients for meatballs and shape into balls. Add to sauce turn up just a little higher than low and let cook the raw meatballs until they are done (1/2 hour) THATS IT!
- Now this is an old recipe, but I have seen it in the sopranos cookbook and this is a bit different.
- I used this sauce to make the ziti al forno from the sopranos cookbook (Recipe #73939) and it was the most amazing thing I have ever eaten, so I posted that too.
JOHN SCHWEGMANN'S REAL ITALIAN MEATBALLS AND SPAGHETTI
It was originally published -- in the grocery ads -- in the 1950s. This is a very long-simmered, old-school red gravy. It will take all day to prepare so clear your schedule! Prepare the meatballs as the gravy cooks.
Provided by Brookelynne26
Categories Spaghetti
Time 7h
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- To make sauce: Melt butter in a large heavy pot. Add the green onions, yellow onions, celery, bell pepper, parsley, garlic, and Italian seasoning and saute over medium heat for 15 minutes. Add the bay leaves and whole tomatoes and mash tomatoes against the side of the pot to crush. Lower heat and simmer for 1 hour, then add tomato paste and sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let simmer 2 hours. Add sugar, cover and let simmer another 2½ hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks too thick a little water may be added.
- Prepare meatballs by mixing all ingredients, except olive oil, together. Roll into 1½- to 2-inch balls. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet and saute in batches until nicely brown. Set aside.
- Add meatballs to sauce and continue simmering another 30 to 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Serve over spaghetti (cooked al dente) and top with freshly grated Romano cheese.
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured for a smooth cooking process.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh bread crumbs provide a better texture than dry ones.
- Egg and Cheese: Adding an extra egg and Parmesan cheese enhances the meatballs' richness and flavor.
- Mixing: Don't overmix the meatball mixture, as it can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.
- Chilling: Chilling the meatball mixture for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to form the meatballs.
- Rolling: Use wet hands to roll the meatballs to prevent sticking. It also ensures smooth and even meatballs.
- Browning: Browning the meatballs before simmering in the sauce creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices.
- Sauce: Use a flavorful sauce that complements the meatballs, such as a homemade tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Simmering: Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to fully cook.
- Resting: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Conclusion:
These classic Italian meatballs and spaghetti offer a delectable and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, simple techniques, and a flavorful sauce, you can create a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to follow the tips mentioned above for the best results, and enjoy the delicious combination of tender meatballs, flavorful sauce, and al dente spaghetti. Buon Appetito!
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