Spaghetti Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this classic Spaghetti Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce recipe, where tender, flavorful meatballs crafted from a blend of ground beef and pork are simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with fresh basil. Perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti serves as the ideal base to soak up the savory sauce, while a hint of Parmesan cheese adds a finishing touch of indulgence. This hearty dish combines the warmth of homemade ingredients, like sautéed garlic, onion, and crushed tomatoes, with the simplicity of traditional Italian flavors. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises a satisfying and soul-warming meal bursting with authentic flair. Serve it with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a picture-perfect plate that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Ground beef
- 250 grams Ground pork
- 100 grams Breadcrumbs
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 400 grams Spaghetti
- 800 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 100 milliliters Water
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, 1 clove of garlic (minced), fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the canned crushed tomatoes, sugar, and water. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the meatballs back into the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the spaghetti, and set aside.
Add fresh basil leaves to the tomato sauce and stir. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
928 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.1 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 187 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 1265 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.5 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.5 g | ||
| Protein | 49.6 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 251 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1036 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
