Tired of bland, store-bought meatballs? Craving a truly delicious, homemade spaghetti dinner that'll impress your family and friends? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for juicy, flavorful meatballs, perfectly paired with a rich and vibrant spaghetti sauce, is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant price tag. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for consistency in size for even cooking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step helps to seal in the juices and develop a beautiful crust. Set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld.
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Gently stir to coat, cover, and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious homemade meatballs and sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce!
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Make it leaner: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork, or increase the proportion of lean ground beef.
- Add vegetables: Include finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
- Slow cooker option: Brown the meatballs as directed, then transfer them and the sauce to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Freezing for later: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Freeze them before adding them to the sauce, or freeze the entire finished dish in individual portions for easy weeknight meals.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. However, a typical serving provides a good source of protein and several essential vitamins and minerals. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient quantities.
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. The combination of juicy meatballs and rich, flavorful sauce is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!