Indulge in a culinary journey with our mouthwatering Spaghetti with Small Meatballs recipe. This classic Italian dish combines the comforting flavors of tender spaghetti, juicy meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce to create a hearty and flavorful meal. We'll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you achieve perfect meatballs and a succulent tomato sauce that elevates the entire dish. Additionally, we've included three variations to satisfy every palate: a vegetarian meatball option made with chickpeas and lentils, a spicy rendition featuring chili flakes and paprika, and a kid-friendly version with milder flavors and hidden vegetables. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this timeless pasta classic that's sure to become a favorite.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS
This spaghetti and meatball recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight -- and it's a family favorite, too!
Provided by Jennifer Segal
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 4 to 6 (Makes 22 to 24 small meatballs)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic and water. Add the meat, breadcrumbs and cheese and mix until just combined (your hands are the best tool). Do not overwork it.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from oven and use a metal spatula to turn the meatballs (they will stick a bit but should release easily when you scrape under them with the spatula). Put the meatballs back in the oven and cook for another 10 minutes, until they are nicely browned and almost cooked through.
- In the meantime, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large skillet. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary (I usually add a healthy pinch of sugar and some freshly ground black pepper). Transfer the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce, leaving the fat behind. Cover loosely with a lid or foil and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the flavors marry and the meatballs are cooked through. Keep warm until ready to toss with pasta.
- While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain, then toss with the sauce and meatballs (you may find it easier to toss everything together in the pasta pot rather than the skillet; it depends on the sizes of pans you are using.). Serve topped with fresh basil and more grated cheese.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cooked meatballs can be frozen, in their sauce, for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop until the meatballs are hot in the center.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 731, Fat 29 g, Carbohydrate 78 g, Protein 37 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sugar 11 g, Fiber 6 g, Sodium 897 mg, Cholesterol 116 mg
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
For a bowl of Italian comfort, make Rachael Ray's Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe from 30 Minute Meals on Food Network.
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place a large pot of water on to boil for spaghetti. When it boils, add salt and pasta and cook to al dente.
- Mix beef and Worcestershire, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Roll meat into 1 1/2 inch medium-sized meatballs and place on nonstick cookie sheet or a cookie sheet greased with extra-virgin olive oil. Bake balls 10 to 12 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Heat a deep skillet or medium pot over moderate heat. Add oil, crushed pepper, garlic and finely chopped onion. Saute 5 to 7 minutes, until onion bits are soft. Add beef stock, crushed tomatoes, and herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Toss hot, drained pasta with a few ladles of the sauce and grated cheese. Turn meatballs in remaining sauce. Place pasta on dinner plates and top with meatballs and sauce and extra grated cheese. Serve with bread or garlic bread (and some good chianti!)
EASY SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
Easy spaghetti and meatballs. Yummy, yum, yum, yum! Serve with garlic bread.
Provided by aimeejean
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Spaghetti Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Combine ground beef, onion, crackers, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix until well combined. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink inside, about 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- While meatballs are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and oil and boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
- Serve noodles with meatballs and sauce on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.2 calories, Carbohydrate 56.8 g, Cholesterol 60.1 mg, Fat 17 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 22.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 805.7 mg, Sugar 9.6 g
EASY SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
WHEN I was a teenager, I cooked dinner every night for our family of four...Mom, Dad, Grandmother, who lived next door, and myself. Through the years, I have modified and changed this recipe for two people to better fit our tastes. That's one of the great things about this dish. It's easy to do just that! -David Stierheim, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 35m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Crumble the meat over mixture and mix well. Shape into 2-in. meatballs., In a large skillet, brown meatballs over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160°; drain. Add spaghetti sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Serve with spaghetti; sprinkle with cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 388 calories, Fat 18g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 168mg cholesterol, Sodium 1503mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 26g protein.
ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS
This is a recipe I got from my mother years ago -- it's great.
Provided by Jeremy
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Tomato
Time 2h20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and beaten egg. Mix well and form into 12 balls. Store, covered, in refrigerator until needed.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is translucent. Stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar and bay leaf. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 90 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, basil, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and meatballs and simmer 30 minutes more. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.6 calories, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 77.4 mg, Fat 21.2 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 1492.5 mg, Sugar 11.1 g
BEST SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. -Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 2h30m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions; saute until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato paste; cook 3-5 minutes. Add next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 50 minutes., Combine the first 7 meatball ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add meatballs; brown in batches until no longer pink. Drain. Add to sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until flavors are blended, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 18g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 1043mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g protein.
MY BEST SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS
One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the Old Spaghetti Factory with my family and ordering a big plate of cheesy spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread. My homemade recipe reminds me of those fun times and satisfies everyone's craving for good Italian food. -Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h50m
Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 27
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Add beef, pork and veal; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches; drain., In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until paste darkens. Add wine; cook and stir 2 minutes to dissolve any browned tomato paste. , Stir in tomatoes, parsley, sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add basil and meatballs; cook 20-25 minutes longer or until meatballs are cooked through, stirring occasionally. Serve meatballs and sauce with spaghetti. Sprinkle with additional cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 290 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 974mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
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.
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
There's little more comforting on a weeknight - or any night - than spaghetti, tossed in marinara sauce and paired with savory meatballs. This hearty recipe features three kinds of meat - ground pork shoulder, veal and beef chuck, along with minced bacon - rolled into small balls, which are then browned in a sauté pan, and baked until cooked through. Serve the whole thing with a bowl of grated Parmesan, ready to be heaped on.
Provided by Pete Wells
Categories dinner, weekday, pastas, main course
Time 1h
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and cream. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then mash the mixture with a fork. Mix in the oregano, pepper flakes, black pepper, salt and bacon. Gently work in the pork, veal and beef. Be careful not to knead it into oblivion, or the meatballs will be tough little pebbles. Fry a little of the mixture in some butter and oil in a skillet and taste, adjusting seasonings. Roll into small meatballs, about an inch across. (If you have a kitchen scale, measure an ounce apiece.)
- Heat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large sauté pan, warm the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs, turning every couple of minutes. (Work in batches if they won't all fit in the pan.) Transfer them to a roasting pan big enough to hold them all. Pour 2 cups of cold water into the pan and transfer it to the oven to bake for 20 to 30 minutes or so, until the meatballs are cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water, and heat the marinara sauce in a pot. When the spaghetti is tender, toss it with the sauce. Season to taste. Put the cheese in a bowl and set it on the table. Make sure to ask your family if they want their meatballs on top of the spaghetti or on the side.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 841, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 91 grams, Fat 35 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 39 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 862 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, TransFat 1 gram
EASY SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
No pasta's more iconic than spaghetti and meatballs, and now, it's a breeze to make -- the meatballs simmer right in the sauce.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Set a large pot of salted water to boil. In a bowl, combine Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add beef and breadcrumbs; mix gently. Form into 16 balls.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium. Add meatballs, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cover partially, and cook, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente. Drain, and return to pot; add meatballs and sauce, and toss gently. Serve with Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 678 g, Fat 20 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 42 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ground beef for the meatballs. This will ensure that they are flavorful and juicy.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing will make the meatballs tough.
- Let the meatballs rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This will help them to hold their shape.
- Cook the meatballs in a hot oven. This will help them to brown and stay moist.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the meatballs. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
- Use a good quality spaghetti sauce. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
- Serve the spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce immediately.
Conclusion:
This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a classic for a reason. It's easy to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your spaghetti and meatballs are perfect every time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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