Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Spaghetti and Meatballs

This spaghetti and meatball recipe is the ultimate weeknight family dinner —Fast, simple and good!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (plus more for serving)
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1½ pounds ground “meatloaf mix” (approximately equal parts ground beef, pork and veal)
  • ¾ cup dried Italian style bread crumbs (such as Progresso)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Large jar (32 oz) good quality Marinara sauce (such as Rao’s)
  • 1 pound spaghetti

INSTRUCTIONS

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.

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.

Serve topped with fresh basil and more grated cheese. Enjoy!

Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it. 

If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my Fast, simple and good pasta page.

Spaghetti and Meatballs