Creating a classic Spaghetti and Meatballs dinner is a wonderful way to bring a taste of Italian-American cuisine into your home. This meal is comforting, filling, and always a hit with families. Below is a detailed recipe for making spaghetti and meatballs from scratch, including a homemade tomato sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Ground pork: 1/2 pound (for added flavor and tenderness)
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (fresh breadcrumbs work best)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Milk: A splash (to moisten the breadcrumbs)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed tomatoes: 2 cans (28 ounces each)
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (to cut the acidity)
- Basil: 1/2 cup fresh, or 1 tablespoon dried
- Salt and pepper: to taste
For Serving:
- Spaghetti: 1 pound, cooked al dente
- Parmesan cheese: Additional, for serving
- Fresh basil: Chopped, for garnish
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Pasta pot
- Colander