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Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs – A Comforting Italian Classic

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Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti — a classic, comforting Italian-American favorite.

Ingredients

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For the Meatballs:

  • 1/2 lb ground beef

  • 1/2 lb ground pork

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain with seasoning)

  • 1/3 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

  • 1/2 small onion, grated

  • 1 large egg

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 6–8 fresh basil leaves

For Serving:

  • 12 oz spaghetti

  • Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit 5 minutes.

  • Add ground meats, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.

  • Shape into 1.5-inch balls.

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown meatballs in batches on all sides. Set aside.

  • In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes.

  • Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  • Nestle meatballs into sauce. Cover and simmer 30–40 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

  • Toss spaghetti with some sauce. Plate and top with meatballs and extra sauce.

  • Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

  • For gluten-free: use GF pasta and breadcrumbs.

  • Meatballs can be frozen raw or cooked.

  • Sauce can be doubled and frozen.

Find it online: https://bitetrovu.com/homemade-spaghetti-and-meatballs-a-comforting-italian-classic/