Learn how to make delicious dinner idea spaghetti and meatballs at home with this guide.
Dinner Idea How to Make Spaghetti Meatballs
Description
Hello food lovers Today, we are going to talk about making Italian food at home. We will focus on making a classic favorite dish: spaghetti and meatballs.
This guide will show you how to make this tasty dish step by step. Picture eating delicious spaghetti with juicy meatballs and tasty tomato sauce. Just the smell can make you feel like you’re in Italy. Put on your apron and let’s cook some delicious comfort food. This easy recipe will be fun to make and will taste delicious for any dinner idea.
Ingredients
To serve:
Instructions
- Mix together the beef, breadcrumbs, oregano, pepper and salt until well blended. Bind with the egg to make a firm mixture that will hold together.
- With your hands, shape the beef mixture into meat balls about 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter.
- Heat 30 m1(2 tbsp) oil in a frying pan and fry the meatballs until they are well browned all over. Spoon off the excess fat from the pan.
- Add the tomato sauce to the frying pan and bring it to the boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until it is tender but still firm.
- Drain the spaghetti well and toss it with the remaining oil. Place in a heated serving dish.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce evenly over the spaghetti. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garlic Bread: The timeless companion to any pasta dish, garlic bread is simple, delicious, and undeniably the perfect side. Its crispy texture and robust flavor make it ideal for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. Plus, it’s super easy to make. Just slather slices of a fresh baguette with a mix of butter, minced garlic, and parsley, then give them a quick toast in the oven.
- Salad: For something on the lighter side, opt for a fresh salad. A simple green salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, tossed with a vinaigrette, can add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty meatballs and pasta. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shaved Parmesan for extra flavor and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them an excellent side for spaghetti and meatballs. Go for Mediterranean vibes with zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, or keep it classic with roasted carrots and broccoli. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper are all you need before popping them in the oven.
- Whether you really like spaghetti and meatballs or are trying it for the first time, serving it with any of these sides will definitely make your family and guests happy. Enjoy your meal.
- Meat Variations: Not a fan of beef? No worries! You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a leaner or vegetarian-friendly option. Each brings its unique flavor and texture to the dish, making your meatballs just as delicious in different ways.
- Gluten-Free Options: For those avoiding gluten, swapping traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even rolled oats (make sure they’re specifically labeled gluten-free) in your meatballs can make this dish safe for your dietary needs.
- Spice It Up: Craving a bit more kick in your meatballs? Feel free to add in some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of finely chopped jalapeño to the meatball mixture. Remember, it’s all about personal preference, so start with a little and adjust according to taste.
- Gotham Steel 5 Quart Stock Pot Multipurpose Pasta Pot you can get it HERE.
- Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils Cooking Pan you can get it HERE.
- Rossetti® Elementi Natura Made in Italy 28cm Granite Nonstick you can get it HERE.
What to Serve With
Substitutions/Variations
Tools you may need
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Don’t Fall Apart?
Nothing ruins the vibe like meatballs that crumble faster than a bad alibi. To keep your meatballs firm and proud, here’s a pro tip: use breadcrumbs and eggs in your mix. These act like culinary glue, holding everything together. Also, don’t be shy with the mixing – ensure that all the ingredients are well integrated. Lastly, give them a gentle fry to create a crust before simmering in the sauce. This crust acts like a protective shield, keeping all that juicy goodness inside where it belongs.
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While the classic meatball is a blend of beef and pork, don’t let tradition restrain your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier twist. Each type of meat brings its unique flavor and texture to the table, making your spaghetti and meatballs a personalized experience. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly, as leaner meats tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Does the Type of Pasta Matter?
In the grand tapestry of pasta, spaghetti is just one thread. While it’s the traditional choice for this dish, don’t feel boxed in. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving your meatballs with linguine, fettuccine, or even some hearty rigatoni. The sauce and meatballs are the stars of the show, but changing the pasta type can give the whole meal a different texture and feel. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose, you cook it al dente. Nothing says Italian like perfectly cooked pasta.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you’ve got leftovers (and that’s a big if, because who leaves spaghetti and meatballs uneaten?), they store quite well. Ensure the spaghetti and meatballs are cooled to room temperature before tucking them away in the fridge in an airtight container. They can safely chill there for 3-4 days.
