Mama Mia the Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how do you make meatballs that are actually juicy? Honestly, my first attempts were disasters. These homemade meatballs will change your weeknight dinners forever. They are packed with flavour!
Brief Overview
Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe . This dish is proper comfort food from Italian American kitchens. It reminds me of family gatherings. It's a medium level recipe taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes total.
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Main Benefits
Packed with protein, this dish is hearty and satisfying. It’s the perfect recipe for Sunday suppers. The thing that makes this Best Meatball Recipe so special is the flavour.
The secret is in chilling your meatballs before browning them.
Craving Meatballs?
Let’s get started with the ingredients for the Homemade Meatballs Recipe . You will need ground beef and pork. It also requires breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, eggs, and garlic.
Next comes oregano, red pepper flakes, milk, salt, and pepper. Also, you will need olive oil for browning the meatballs.
Let’s check out the Meatball Recipes Easy and fast below! I bet that Ground Beef Meatballs are easier than you think!
For the tomato Meatball Sauce Recipe , you'll need olive oil, onion, and garlic. Then, you'll need canned crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
Also grab dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red wine. To serve, all you need is spaghetti and more Parmesan! If you follow this Italian Meatball Recipe , you will get the most Juicy Meatballs Recipe .
Seriously, that moment when you bite into a perfectly cooked meatball, covered in rich sauce? That is why I make this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Homemade Meatballs Recipe ! Honestly, how do you make meatballs ? It all starts with the right ingredients.
Don't panic! It's all pretty straightforward.
Main Ingredients: The Meatball Magic
For the Ground Beef Meatballs :
- You will need 1 lb (450g) ground beef. 80/20 blend is great for flavor.
- Grab 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork. Or Italian sausage, casings removed. That adds a kick!.
- Measure out 1 cup (100g) fresh breadcrumbs. Day-old bread works best for this.
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese. The real stuff, not the powdered kind!
- 1/4 cup (5g) chopped fresh parsley. Adds a bit of freshness.
- Get 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. They bind it all together.
- Mince 2 cloves garlic. Because garlic is life, right?.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Italian essence, baby!
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Optional, if you like a little heat.
- 1/4 cup milk or water. Keeps things moist.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy!.
- Then you will need 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning.
For the Meatball Sauce Recipe :
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. More olive oil!
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Get those tears flowing!.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. You guessed it, more garlic.
- 1 (28 ounce/800g) can crushed tomatoes. Good quality makes a difference.
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce. Adds body to the sauce.
- 1 (6 ounce/170g) can tomato paste. Deepens the flavour.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Can't skip the oregano!
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. A classic combo.
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Balances the acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Always taste and adjust!
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry red wine. Optional, but highly recommended!
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish. Pretty and tasty.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town!
Oregano and basil are your friends. They are key to the Italian Meatball Recipe . Red pepper flakes add a nice kick.
Don't forget salt and pepper. Taste as you go! A little sugar balances the tomato acidity.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You only need a few things. A big mixing bowl for the meatballs. A large skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce.
A saucepan for the spaghetti. Measuring cups and spoons are essential. A wooden spoon or spatula is helpful. And a colander, of course, for draining the pasta.
Now, let's talk alternatives. If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large pot works just fine. Don't have fresh bread? Use dried breadcrumbs.
It's not the end of the world! This Meatball Recipes Easy .
So, now you know how to make meatballs that are going to impress. It's really simple! These tips will make all the difference! Now you know how to make meatballs .
Let’s go make some magic!
Mama Mia! Time To Learn How To Make Meatballs
Seriously though, who doesn't love a big bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe ? It's the ultimate comfort food, right? I still remember my first attempt.
Total disaster! But don't worry, I've learned a few things since then. This is a great Homemade Meatballs Recipe !
Today, it is all about technique. So how do you make meatballs that are actually worth eating? Let's break it down.
Prep Steps: The Secret To Great Meatballs
Before diving in, get your stuff together! This is called 'mise en place', fancy, innit? We need: 1 lb of ground beef , 1/2 lb of ground pork , breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, eggs, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), milk, plus salt and pepper.
Seriously . Make sure everything is measured out. Trust me, it saves a ton of time. Also, remember this; don't forget to wash your hands.
Hygiene is key.
step-by-step: Making The Best Meatball Recipe
Here’s how to make meatballs that taste like they came straight from Italy.
- Mix everything (except olive oil) in a large bowl. Don't overmix, or you'll end up with tough Ground Beef Meatballs .
- Roll into 1 inch balls. Lay them on parchment paper.
- Chill those bad boys for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial!
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown the Juicy Meatballs Recipe on all sides, this will give an awesome texture, don't cook them through.
- Simmer them in your favourite Meatball Sauce Recipe (see below) for 30 minutes. The internal temp should be 160° F ( 71° C) .
Sauce It Up and Dig In!
My go-to sauce starts with olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and a splash of red wine if you're feeling fancy! Let that simmer for at least an hour.
The longer, the better. Now that you know How To Make Meatballs , enjoy your Italian Meatball Recipe !
Pro Tips and make-ahead Magic
Homemade Meatballs are awesome, but sometimes you're short on time. Make the meatball mix a day ahead. Seriously, do it.
Also, don't overcrowd the pan when browning. That's a cardinal sin. And honestly, don't skip the chilling step. It's what separates good meatballs from great meatballs.
Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Meatballs
Alright, so you're thinking about how to make meatballs , yeah? This section is like our little chat about all the extra bits that make this Homemade Meatballs Recipe shine.
Think of it as the chef's notes, but way more laid back. Let's dive in!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, even if it's just for you! For a rustic look, pile that Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe high in a bowl.
Garnish with fresh basil. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil? Chef's kiss! Complementary sides? Garlic bread, obvs! A simple side salad cuts through the richness.
A glass of Chianti? Go on, you deserve it! It is one of the Best Meatball Recipe that you can find around.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate your Ground Beef Meatballs in an airtight container. They'll be good for 3-4 days. Freezing? Absolutely! Let the meatballs cool completely.
Then, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Simmer them gently in your favourite Meatball Sauce Recipe until heated through. I love a Juicy Meatballs Recipe and these are perfect for that.
Variations: Meatballs Your Way
Want to mix things up? Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
I have a friend who adds a pinch of cinnamon to her Italian Meatball Recipe mixture. It's surprisingly good! You could also try using different herbs depending on your mood.
A Meatball Recipes Easy to modify.
Nutrition Basics: Food for Thought
Each serving packs a good punch of protein from the meat. You also get carbs from the pasta, of course.
Remember that most of the fat comes from the ground beef. Using leaner meat cuts down on it. Just be sure the dish still comes out like you want.
The tomatoes give you some vitamin C and antioxidants. Remember, this isn't health food. It's comfort food!
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about making the most of this Homemade Meatballs recipe. Now, get in the kitchen and have some fun! I have been trying to create my perfect meatball recipe for years! You can too!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make meatballs that are juicy and not dry like a week old scone?
The key to juicy meatballs is to not overmix the ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, leading to tough meatballs. Also, adding a bit of milk or water to the mixture, along with breadcrumbs, helps retain moisture during cooking.
Don't be tempted to use too lean a ground beef - a blend of 80/20 is your friend here!
My meatballs always fall apart when I cook them. What am I doing wrong?
Falling apart meatballs are a common kitchen woe, a bit like a souffle that won't rise! First, make sure you're using enough of a binding agent, like eggs and breadcrumbs. Chilling the meatballs for at least 30 minutes before cooking is also crucial. This helps them firm up and hold their shape when they hit the heat.
Finally, don't overcrowd the pan when browning them - this lowers the temperature and can cause them to steam instead of sear.
How do you make meatballs with different types of meat? Can I use chicken or turkey?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to use ground chicken or turkey. Keep in mind that poultry is generally leaner than beef or pork, so you might want to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or chicken broth to the mixture to keep them moist.
You could even try a mix of beef and lamb for a richer, more complex flavour, similar to a proper Greek moussaka!
What's the best way to store leftover meatballs and spaghetti?
Leftover spaghetti and meatballs are perfect for lunch the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, let the meatballs and sauce cool completely, then transfer them to freezer safe bags or containers.
They'll keep for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to prevent it from drying out. A good old 'bubble and squeak' with some finely chopped cabbage is a great idea for any leftovers too.
I'm trying to be healthier. Can I make these meatballs lower in calories?
You can definitely lighten up this recipe! Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. Opt for whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular. Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use a low-fat version. You could even bake the meatballs in the oven instead of browning them in oil to cut down on fat.
Just remember, everything in moderation - even spaghetti and meatballs!
Okay, I'm ready to try it. But specifically, how do you make meatballs that taste like they came straight from Nonna's kitchen?
Ah, the secret to Nonna level meatballs! It's all about the flavour. Don't skimp on the fresh herbs like parsley and basil. A touch of grated Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, umami punch that Parmesan can't quite match.
Simmering the meatballs in the sauce for at least an hour (or even longer) allows them to absorb all that delicious tomato goodness. A secret ingredient? A splash of red wine vinegar in the sauce right at the end brightens everything up.
Now that's what I call a "banging" meatball (another British slang phrase, but I'll let you google that one yourself).
Mama Mia The Ultimate Spaghetti And Meatballs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 5g |