Spaghetti And Meatballs - A Timeless Favorite
Family dinners with friends, where everyone brings their unique backgrounds and tastes to the table, always feel special. One dish that seems to bring everyone together, no matter where they come from or how diverse the group, is spaghetti and meatballs. It's one of those universally loved meals that transcends cultures. Picture a big group, gathered around the table, laughter filling the room, and a giant bowl of spaghetti in the center. The aroma of the rich, savory sauce and tender meatballs draws everyone in. Spaghetti and meatballs is that one dish that manages to please everyone—from the picky eaters to the foodies—making it the perfect choice for any gathering!
Did You Know?
Spaghetti and meatballs, while often associated with Italian cuisine, is actually an Italian-American creation. Traditional Italian meatballs, known as "polpette," are typically smaller and served as a standalone dish, not with pasta. Fun fact: This dish became popular in America with the wave of Italian immigrants in the early 20th century!
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Spaghetti:
8 ounces spaghetti
Instructions:
Prepare Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Personal Tip: For tender meatballs, avoid over-mixing the meat. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
Cook Meatballs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Personal Tip: Browning the meatballs before simmering in sauce adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Make Sauce:
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Personal Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking and to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Cook Spaghetti:
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti.
Personal Tip: Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti—al dente means it still has a bit of bite and texture.
Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
Personal Tip: Toss the spaghetti in the sauce before serving for even coating and richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories, 600 | Protein, 30g | Carbohydrates, 75g | Fiber, 5g | Net Carbohydrates, 70g | Fat, 20g | Saturated Fat, 8g | Cholesterol, 100mg | Sodium, 900mg | Sugars, 10g | Glycemic Index, Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money:
- Choosing Meat: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a more flavorful meatball. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
- Breadcrumbs: Homemade breadcrumbs can be made from stale bread. Simply grind in a food processor and toast lightly.
- Cheese Variations: Try adding other cheeses like Romano or Asiago to the meatballs for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added to the meatballs or sauce for added freshness.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing Tips: Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Add them directly to the simmering sauce from frozen.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
- Reducing Sodium: Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and tomato sauce to control the salt content. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end of cooking.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for depth of flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Buy ground beef and pasta in bulk when they are on sale. Using store-brand canned tomatoes and tomato sauce can also help reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
Let’s Learn About Different Pastas
Pasta comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each offering a unique texture and best use in different dishes. For example, spaghetti is long and thin, making it perfect for light sauces like marinara or olive oil-based dishes. Penne, with its ridged, tube-like shape, holds thicker sauces such as creamy or meat sauces, allowing for more flavor in each bite. Fusilli, known for its spiral shape, is excellent for trapping sauces in its twists, making it ideal for hearty, chunkier sauces.
Pasta is typically made from durum wheat, which gives it a firm texture when cooked. However, there are gluten-free versions made from rice, corn, or even lentils, which have different textures but are great alternatives for those with gluten sensitivities. The ingredients and shapes of pasta can drastically change the cooking time and texture, so it’s important to match the pasta with the right sauce for the perfect meal.