Italian > Spaghetti

Montagna Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 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
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

3. Shape 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 package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.

6. In a skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until heated through.

7. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss to coat.

8. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with grated Parmesan cheese on top.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 580
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Protein: 33g
- Sodium: 1330mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with any tomato-based pasta sauce.

Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the marinara sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
- Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or Romano.

Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet, lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- To make the meatballs ahead of time, shape them and freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, bake them in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
- To make the spaghetti ahead of time, cook it according to package instructions and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss it with a little bit of oil to prevent it from sticking together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to use, reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of water.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the spaghetti and meatballs, microwave it for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of water.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs on a large platter with grated Parmesan cheese on top and fresh parsley for garnish.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad, Caprese salad, or green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are too dry, add a little bit of milk or water to the mixture to moisten it.
- If the spaghetti is too sticky, rinse it with cold water to separate the strands.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the early 20th century when Italian immigrants in the United States adapted their traditional meatball recipe to include spaghetti.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, meaty, tangy, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs as a main course for dinner or lunch.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Hearty, Meaty, Tangy, Herby