Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Large pot
- Colander
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the spaghetti in a colander.
6. In the same pot, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until hot.
7. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat.
8. Serve the spaghetti topped with the meatballs and sauce, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
5. Temperature:
Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Carbohydrates: 64g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or pork can be used instead of ground beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Any type of milk can be used instead of regular milk.
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Dried parsley can be used instead of fresh parsley.
- Any type of pasta can be used instead of spaghetti.
- Homemade marinara sauce can be used instead of store-bought.
Variations:
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the marinara sauce for extra nutrition.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the marinara sauce for extra texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture, or the meatballs will be tough.
- Wet your hands with water before forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- To make the meatballs ahead of time, form them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- To freeze the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftover meatballs and spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the meatballs and spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the spaghetti and meatballs on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread and a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are too dry, add a little more milk to the mixture.
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the early 20th century. It is not a traditional Italian dish, but rather a creation of Italian immigrants in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory, hearty, and comforting, with flavors of beef, tomato, and Parmesan cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Hearty, Comforting, Meaty