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Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 98 reviews

This easy spaghetti and meatballs recipe features juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, paired perfectly with tender spaghetti pasta. A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 2 and 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage meat

Sauce

  • 1 large jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Cover and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix with your hands gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into 16 golf-ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
  4. Brown Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 3 minutes until browned on the underside. Flip them to brown another side, locking in juices and flavor.
  5. Simmer in Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs and bring it up to a simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook at a low simmer, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink inside. Turn off heat and cover the skillet with a lid to keep warm.
  6. Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs are simmering, add the spaghetti to the boiling salted water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente or desired tenderness. Drain the pasta well.
  7. Serve: Divide the cooked spaghetti evenly among four dinner plates. Remove the lid from the meatballs, stir gently, and spoon the meatballs and marinara sauce over the spaghetti. Serve immediately for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor, do not overmix the meat mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Leftover meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding when browning meatballs for even cooking.
  • Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil as a garnish if desired.

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, easy dinner, Italian recipe, pasta, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/easy-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe/