Best 3 Test Kitchens Favorite Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of our Test Kitchens Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs, a culinary masterpiece that combines tender meatballs nestled in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, all served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This tantalizing dish is a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

From the juicy and succulent meatballs crafted with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, to the aromatic tomato sauce simmered with herbs and spices, each element of this dish is carefully crafted to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Accompanied by a side of crusty garlic bread, this spaghetti and meatballs is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends.

In addition to the classic spaghetti and meatballs, this article also features a collection of equally mouthwatering recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and taste palates. From the vegetarian-friendly Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese, packed with hearty lentils and earthy mushrooms, to the lighter Turkey and Zucchini Meatballs, which offer a healthier take on the classic dish, there's something for everyone to savor.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this article provides step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and stunning photographs to guide you through each recipe. Embrace the joy of cooking and create a memorable meal that will be cherished by all who gather around your table.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TEST KITCHEN'S FAVORITE SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Test Kitchen's Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Swapping out some of the ground beef for chopped mushrooms is the secret behind the complex flavor of these meatballs. A quick blast in the broiler gives them a nice crust -- and the noncrisp parts soak up the delicious sauce.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups finely chopped onion (from 1 large)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 to 5 cloves)
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
2 cans (each 28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes in juice, pureed in a blender or food processor
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 pound cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1/3 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano (1 ounce), plus more for serving
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 pound ground beef (85 percent lean), preferably grass-fed
1 pound spaghetti, spaghettini, or bucatini

Steps:

  • Red Sauce: Heat a straight-sided skillet over medium. Swirl in oil; add onion and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in garlic and red-pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. Transfer one-third of onion mixture to a bowl and reserve for meatballs. Add tomatoes to skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened slightly, about 20 minutes.
  • Meatballs: While sauce simmers, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Swirl in oil. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and most of moisture has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with reserved onion mixture; let cool slightly.
  • Preheat broiler with rack 4 inches below heating element. Stir breadcrumbs and milk into mushroom mixture until milk is absorbed. Add cheese, parsley, oregano, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add beef and gently fold with your hands until evenly combined (don't overwork, or meatballs will be tough). Use an ice cream scoop, or roll heaping tablespoons between dampened palms, to form thirty 1 1/2-inch balls. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet brushed with oil. Broil, undisturbed, until browned on top, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer meatballs to skillet with red sauce. Simmer, stirring gently, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, boil pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than per package instructions. Drain pasta and return to pot; toss with 1 1/2 cups sauce. Serve, topped with meatballs, more sauce, cheese, red-pepper flakes, and parsley.

MY BEST SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS



My Best Spaghetti & Meatballs image

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

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons minced fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal or additional ground beef
2 tablespoons canola oil
SAUCE:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
3/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
Hot cooked spaghetti
Additional grated Parmesan cheese

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.

BEST SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Best Spaghetti and Meatballs image

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

2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 cups chopped onions
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (12 ounces each) tomato paste
3 cups water
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
MEATBALLS:
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups soft bread cubes (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 pounds spaghetti, cooked

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.

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta. Spaghetti is the classic choice for this dish, but you can also use other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine.
  • Brown the meatballs well. This will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from falling apart in the sauce.
  • Use a good quality tomato sauce. You can either use a store-bought sauce or make your own. If you're using a store-bought sauce, look for one that is low in sugar and high in flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will help to develop the flavor and thicken the sauce.
  • Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 15 minutes. This will allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  • Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This will add a touch of richness and flavor to the dish.

Conclusion:

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that is loved by people of all ages. It's a simple dish to make, but it's packed with flavor. By following the tips in this article, you can make a delicious spaghetti and meatballs dish that your family and friends will love.

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