SUBSCRIBE

Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs

Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe
Facebook
Pinterest

Classic, comforting, and soothing for the soul – a hug in a bowl, if you will.

Tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, flavourful tomato sauce and served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti – it’s the ultimate mid-week comfort food!

What you need

Knife

Ingredients

6 SERVINGS

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (450g) ground pork
  • 1 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (60ml) milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup (15g) finely chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 

For the sauce:

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bottle passata 
  • 3 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For serving:

  • 16 oz (500g) pack spaghetti
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • ½ cup crispy chilli oil (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing.

Step 3

Roll the meat mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned.

Step 4

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 5

Stir in tomato paste, passata, sugar, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 7

While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and stir pasta in through the sauce, if too thick, loosen up with a few spoons of pasta water.

Step 8

To serve, divide the cooked spaghetti among six plates, top with meatballs, and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil and (optional) crispy chilli.

✨ RECIPE NOTES ✨

  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free spaghetti.
  • Make it dairy-free: Substitute the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Why do you guys add chilli to everything? If you can’t tell by now, we’re of the mind that a bit of heat is the perfect finishing touch for most meals! Crispy chilli adds an extra crunchy texture as well as a delicious kick to an already delicious meal. If you can tolerate it, definitely give it a try!

Leave a Reply

MORE FROM ROOTED BY FOOD