Spaghetti With Meatball Sauce
Hearty spaghetti with flavorful meatball sauce, combining tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and fragrant herbs for a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put slices of bread in a bowl and cover with water.
- Let soak for a minute or two.
- Squeeze water out of the bread.
- Mix the soft bread with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
- Thoroughly combine the mixture and shape into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
- In the same skillet, add tomato sauce, tomato puree, bay leaves, sweet basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook the sauce and meatballs for about 20-25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and serve topped with meatball sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also replace the bread with breadcrumbs for easier mixing. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor, so feel free to add them. This recipe can be adapted for a vegetarian version by using plant-based meat substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious spaghetti with meatball sauce topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A side of garlic bread or a simple salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Nonna Zelenda's Lasagna for a comforting Italian feast. A glass of red wine would also complement the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatball sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach the desired consistency. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Meatball Sauce contains roughly 2094 calories, with 60g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), and protein (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1323mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the beef. Each type will bring a unique flavor to the meatballs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until it thickens. This will give you a richer, heartier sauce.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag once firm. This allows you to enjoy a quick dinner by simply thawing and cooking them when needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).