Grandmas Secret Seriously Scrumptious Spaghetti and Meatballs
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Craving Comfort Food?
Ever wondered how do you make meatballs that taste like your Nonna spent all day in the kitchen? This recipe is it! Get ready for the ultimate spaghetti and meatballs experience.
It is so full of flavor, you are going to love it!
Grandma's Secret: Seriously Scrumptious Spaghetti and Meatballs
This dish is classic Italian American comfort. It is truly soul satisfying. This recipe is medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes total. It serves 6 hungry folks.
The origin lies in Italian American communities who re-created the flavors of Italy, with local ingredients, and tastes. It became the ultimate family meal!
Main Benefits: The Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ground beef meatballs offer a good source of protein and iron. This dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner ideas or any time you need a hearty meal.
What makes this recipe special? Honestly, it's the depth of flavor in the sauce and the tender, juicy meatball recipe .
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What You'll Need: The Ingredients
For the meatballs, you'll need ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, milk, an egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
We will use the homemade meatballs recipe as base for this dish. These Italian meatballs will taste as your grandma used to do.
The sauce needs olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper.
Grab some spaghetti, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan for serving. Remember, taste and adjust as you go!
Pro Tip Time!
One key to getting easy meatball recipe is to not overmix the meat. Overmixing leads to tough meatballs and no one wants that! Be gentle when combining the ingredients.
Light touch is the key.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Spaghetti and Meatballs Ever!
Okay, let's get this show on the road! We are about to tackle how do you make meatballs for proper spaghetti and meatballs .
Get ready for a taste of nostalgia and pure deliciousness!
Main Ingredients: Let's Gather the Good Stuff
Here's what you'll need for Grandma's Secret: Seriously Scrumptious Spaghetti and Meatballs . Based on the recipe, it includes homemade meatballs recipe , Italian meatballs , easy meatball recipe , and everything to make the best spaghetti and meatballs !
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (454g) . Go for an 80/20 blend; it's got the right amount of fat for juicy meatballs. Honestly, don't skimp here! The quality of your ground beef makes a huge difference.
- Ground Pork: ½ lb (227g) . This adds a lovely richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (60g) , finely grated, plus extra for serving.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (50g) .
- Milk: ¼ cup (60ml) . Whole milk or 2% works best.
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Parsley: 1 tablespoon , chopped fresh.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon .
- Salt: ½ teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons , for browning those gorgeous meatballs.
For that rich, flavourful sauce:
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can
- Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce/170g) can
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon
- Sugar: ½ teaspoon (balances acidity)
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a kick!)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
And, of course, to make this a full meal:
- Spaghetti: 1 lb (454g) .
- Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce to Success!
This isn't just throwing things together. It's about layering flavours.
Essential spice combos? Gotta have that Italian seasoning and garlic. These give that classic Italian meatballs flavour. Flavour enhancers? Don't underestimate sugar in tomato sauce.
It balances the acidity. No basil? Oregano it is!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets!
- Large mixing bowl: For the meatball magic.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For browning and simmering.
- Large pot: For that spaghetti .
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.
- Colander: For draining.
Seriously, that's it. If you've got these, you're golden. Get ready to make some juicy meatball recipe magic! It's all about that classic meatball recipe and some good old Sunday dinner ideas brought to life.
Honestly, you got this! It is an easy meatball recipe .
Okay, let's get this show on the road! Ready to whip up some seriously scrumptious spaghetti and meatballs? Think of me as your friendly neighbourhood guru, ready to sprinkle some SEO magic on this meatball masterpiece.
Honestly, this recipe is a game changer! The best spaghetti and meatballs are right around the corner
Grandma's Secret Meatballs: The Only Recipe You'll Ever Need
This isn't just a homemade meatballs recipe . This is the classic meatball recipe that'll transport you straight to Nonna's kitchen.
It's inspired by the best Italian American comfort food, but with a few extra tricks. We're talkin' juicy meatball recipe perfection simmered in a rich sauce.
Plus? It's perfect for Sunday dinner ideas. Let's get started!
Prep Steps: Your Meatball Mise en Place
First things first, mise en place . Basically, get your ingredients ready! Finely grate your Parmesan cheese none of that pre-shredded stuff.
Mince your garlic. Chop your parsley. Measure out your ground beef , ground pork , and panko breadcrumbs . Having everything prepped saves so much time.
Also? Wash your hands. Safety first!
How Do You Make Meatballs? step-by-step
Alright, how do you make meatballs that are tender and flavourful? Follow these steps. They're as easy as pie!
- Mix the meatball mixture. Gently combine 1 lb ground beef , ½ lb ground pork , ½ cup Parmesan , ½ cup panko , ¼ cup milk , 1 egg , 2 cloves garlic , 1 tbsp parsley , 1 tsp Italian seasoning , ½ tsp salt , and ¼ tsp pepper . Don't overmix! I can't stress this enough. Overmixing makes tough meatballs.
- Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop to keep them uniform.
- Brown in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Don't cook all the way through just a nice crust! Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the base. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan, then your 1 chopped onion until soft, then 2 cloves garlic until fragrant. Oh my gosh, the smell will be amazing!
- Build the meatball sauce recipe . Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce , 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste , 1 tsp oregano , ½ tsp basil , ½ tsp sugar , and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) . Simmer!
Pro Tips for Meatball Mastery
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning . Seriously. It lowers the pan temperature and you won't get a good sear.
- make-ahead option? You can totally make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just brown them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then just toss 'em in the sauce when you're ready.
- Common mistake? Overcooking the meatballs! They'll finish cooking in the sauce.
This easy meatball recipe is truly foolproof. Now, go forth and make the best spaghetti and meatballs of your life. Your family (and your stomach) will thank you.
Recipe Notes
Okay, let's get this show on the road! These little details make all the difference. We need to talk about making these seriously scrumptious meatballs and spaghetti even better .
Think of me as your friendly neighbourhood guru, ready to sprinkle some SEO magic on this meatball masterpiece. Let's dive in!
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Presentation, baby! Plating your spaghetti and meatballs isn't just about chucking it on a plate. Swirl the spaghetti into a nest.
Then artfully arrange the homemade meatballs recipe on top. Finally, generously grate Parmesan and sprinkle with fresh basil. It's Instagram worthy! For sides, garlic bread is a must.
A simple salad cuts through the richness. And drinks? A glass of red wine is ideal. Or a crisp Italian soda also works.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Leftover Italian meatballs ? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Ensure they are piping hot before serving .
Variations: Make it Your Own
Want to switch things up? For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Or almond flour in the juicy meatball recipe .
For a lighter option, swap ground beef for ground turkey. Think of this as a blank canvas. Let your creativity flow! You can also adjust seasonings to your taste!
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body
Alright, here’s the lowdown. Each serving rocks around 650 calories. You get a solid 45g of protein to keep you going.
Plus, 5g of fiber for your gut. And hey, it wouldn't be Sunday dinner ideas without some carbs, right? It's about balance.
Don't feel guilty about indulging! This easy meatball recipe is comfort food at its finest! This is the best spaghetti and meatballs you can get.
So, how do you make meatballs that are this good? Simple! Follow the recipe, add a dash of love, and trust your instincts.
This classic meatball recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Get in the kitchen and make some magic. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make meatballs that aren't dry and tough like hockey pucks?
The key to tender meatballs is to avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, leading to a tougher texture. Also, make sure to add enough moisture with ingredients like milk and eggs.
Panko breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and create a lighter texture, unlike regular breadcrumbs that can sometimes make the meatballs dense.
Can I use just ground beef when I make meatballs?
You absolutely can! While this recipe calls for a mix of ground beef and pork, using only ground beef is perfectly fine. For the best flavour and texture, choose ground beef with an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat adds richness and helps keep the meatballs moist.
You could even substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier spin, like something Delia Smith might suggest!
I'm a vegetarian. How do you make meatballs without meat?
No worries, you can still enjoy "meatballs"! Use a plant based ground "meat" substitute as the base. You can also add cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or crumbled tofu for extra texture and protein.
Season generously with Italian herbs and spices, and consider adding a touch of smoked paprika for a savory flavor boost. Serve with a vegetable broth based sauce to keep it fully vegetarian.
How long do you cook meatballs in sauce, and can I make them ahead?
Ideally, meatballs should simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, but up to an hour is even better. The longer they simmer, the more the flavours meld together. This recipe for "how do you make meatballs" is great for meal prepping. You can definitely make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time!
Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat them gently before serving and you’re laughing!
What are some variations I can try when I make meatballs?
There are tons of ways to jazz up your meatballs! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or a dash of hot sauce. Experiment with different cheeses, like ricotta or mozzarella, for a richer flavour.
You could also add finely chopped vegetables, like zucchini or carrots, for extra nutrients and moisture. Get creative and put your own signature on it, just as Jamie Oliver might suggest!
Can I bake the meatballs instead of browning them in a pan?
Yes, you absolutely can bake the meatballs! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
Baking is a great option if you want to avoid the splatter of pan-frying and use less oil. However, browning them in a pan first does give them a richer, deeper flavour that can't be beat!
Grandmas Secret Seriously Scrumptious Spaghetti
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 5g |