Zappa Family Spaghetti and Meatballs
Experience the heartwarming flavors of the Zappa Family Spaghetti and Meatballs, a cherished classic that brings comfort and authenticity to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs made from a harmonious blend of ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs like oregano. Simmered to perfection in a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, these meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Served over a bed of perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti and garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this dish is an irresistible combination of tradition and flavor. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this hearty recipe takes just 90 minutes to prepare and will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian trattoria.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 0.5 pound Ground pork
- 0.75 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Small onion, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Egg
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 can Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 pound Spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix gently with your hands until fully combined but do not overmix.
Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and set aside on a plate or baking sheet.
In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes per batch. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.
In the same pan, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Stir well to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
Return the browned meatballs to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on a plate or bowl, top with meatballs and sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
877 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.2 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.9 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 174 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 1533 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.1 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.0 g | ||
| Protein | 46.5 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 231 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 1004 mg | 21% | |
*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.
