Homemade Spaghetti And Meatballs Cooked In The Sauce From Raw
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this homemade spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with fresh garlic, parsley, and Romano cheese, these tender meatballs are simmered to perfection in a rich, homemade tomato sauce.
Each bite is a delightful combination of savory meatballs and hearty tomato sauce, perfect for ladling over al dente spaghetti or your pasta of choice.
Whether served as a family dinner or for a gathering with friends, this dish promises to satisfy and impress with its classic Italian flavors and homemade goodness.
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs Simmered in Fresh Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 lb ground pork
5 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 eggs
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Romano cheese
2 quarts of homemade tomato sauce
Instructions:
Step 1:
Combine all the ingredients thoroughly in a large mixing bowl. I prefer using my hands for this step as it ensures everything is well incorporated.
Shape the meat mixture into meatballs, aiming for golf ball-sized portions. This size allows them to absorb the sauce while remaining moist and flavorful.
Step 2:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the homemade tomato sauce over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer.
Step 3:
Carefully place the meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the meatballs simmer gently in the sauce for approximately 30 minutes or until cooked through.
Step 4:
Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta, ensuring to spoon some of the flavorful sauce over each meatball. Or you can put spaghetti in the pot and simmer together with the meaballs for 5 minutes.
Enjoy this classic Italian dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish.
Notes:
Meatball Preparation: Combining ground beef and pork along with garlic, parsley, black pepper, eggs, breadcrumbs, and Romano cheese ensures a robust flavor profile and moist texture for the meatballs.
Hand Mixing: Using hands to thoroughly mix the meatball ingredients helps ensure even distribution of flavors and ingredients, resulting in well-rounded meatballs.
Meatball Size: Forming meatballs that are about the size of a golf ball allows them to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the tomato sauce while maintaining their shape and moisture.
Tomato Sauce: The homemade tomato sauce, simmered with the meatballs, provides a rich and flavorful base that complements the meatballs perfectly.
Simmering Process: Cooking the meatballs in the tomato sauce over medium-low heat for around 30 minutes allows them to cook through gently, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and becoming tender.
Serving Suggestions: Serving the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti or another pasta of choice ensures a hearty and satisfying meal. Spooning extra sauce over each meatball enhances the dish’s flavor.
Garnish: Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley as garnish adds a final touch of freshness and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
Versatility: This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to personal preferences by adjusting seasoning levels or adding additional ingredients like crushed red pepper for a touch of heat.
Make-Ahead Option: The meatballs and sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving, making it convenient for busy days or entertaining guests.
Family Favorite: A classic Italian dish like spaghetti and meatballs is often a family favorite, perfect for gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 741 kcal | Total Fat: 45.6 g | Saturated Fat: 19.3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.8 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18.3 g | Cholesterol: 264 mg | Sodium: 1312 mg | Potassium: 1028 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 32.6 g | Dietary Fiber: 4.3 g | Sugars: 9.3 g | Protein: 48.6 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can customize the meat mixture based on your preference.
Ground beef and pork provide a balanced flavor, but you can use all beef or a mixture that includes veal or turkey.
How do I make the tomato sauce homemade?
You can make homemade tomato sauce by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, adding canned crushed tomatoes, herbs like basil and oregano, salt, pepper, and simmering for at least 30 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and tomato sauce ahead of time.
Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to reheat and serve.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze both the cooked meatballs and tomato sauce separately.
Allow them to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
They will keep well for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this dish besides spaghetti?
Besides spaghetti, you can serve this dish with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine, or with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to thoroughly combine the ingredients in step 1 to create a cohesive mixture.
Also, gently shape the meatballs without compacting them too much.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs in this recipe.
Use about 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh herbs.
What is the purpose of adding Romano cheese to the meatballs?
Romano cheese adds flavor and helps bind the meatballs together.
It also contributes to the richness of the dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the plain breadcrumbs.
Ensure all other ingredients, including the tomato sauce and cheese, are also gluten-free.