What ingredients do I need to make a classic spaghetti meatball supper?

To prepare a classic spaghetti meatball supper, you’ll need ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for the meatballs, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. For the sauce, use canned crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Don’t forget spaghetti pasta and salt for boiling. These basic ingredients come together to create a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare at home.

How can I make meatballs that stay tender and don’t fall apart while cooking?

To keep meatballs tender and intact, avoid overmixing the meat mixture, which can make them dense. Use a combination of ground meats with some fat content, such as beef and pork. Adding breadcrumbs soaked in milk or water, along with eggs, helps bind the meatballs without drying them out. Form the meatballs gently and cook them over medium heat, either by baking or pan-frying, before simmering them in sauce to finish cooking fully.

What is the best way to cook spaghetti for a meatball supper to prevent it from sticking together?

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water to prevent sticking. Use plenty of water—about 4-6 quarts per pound of pasta—and stir the spaghetti occasionally during the first minute or two of cooking. Avoid adding oil to the water, as it can prevent sauce from sticking later. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and toss immediately with a small amount of sauce or olive oil to keep it separated until serving.

Can I prepare spaghetti meatball supper ahead of time and store it for later?

Yes, you can prepare spaghetti meatballs ahead. Cook the meatballs and sauce fully, then store them separately from the pasta in airtight containers. The meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Cook the spaghetti fresh or reheat it separately to avoid mushy noodles when serving.

What are some popular toppings or sides to serve with spaghetti meatball supper?

Popular toppings include freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil or parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Garlic bread or a simple green salad with vinaigrette are classic sides that complement the dish perfectly. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli can add a healthy balance. These additions enhance flavor and texture, making the meal more satisfying.

Spaghetti Meatball Supper Recipe For Cozy Family Dinners

Ingredients

– 1 large egg

– 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

– 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– ¾ teaspoon salt

– ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– 2 cloves minced garlic

– ¼ cup water

– 1½ pounds ground meatloaf mix (equal parts ground beef, pork, and veal)

– ¾ cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs

– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 32 ounces marinara sauce

– 1 pound spaghetti

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-Making this Spaghetti Meatball Supper is straightforward and fun, even if you’re new to cooking. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and setting up your workspace. This method keeps things tidy and ensures juicy, flavorful results.

2-First, in a large bowl, whisk together the egg, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, and water until well combined. Gently mix in the ground meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese with your hands, being careful not to overdo it this keeps the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.

3-Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes, then turn them with a spatula and bake for another 10 minutes until they’re browned and nearly done. While that’s happening, warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet and tweak it with a pinch of sugar and black pepper for extra taste. Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover loosely, and simmer for 10 minutes to finish cooking them through.

4-In the meantime, cook the spaghetti in boiling, well-salted water until it’s al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs, using that reserved water to thin out the sauce if it gets too thick. Serve it up with a garnish of fresh basil and more cheese if you like.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🍽️ Use a meat mixture of beef, pork, and veal, or substitute half beef and half pork if unavailable.
🔥 Baking meatballs instead of pan-frying reduces mess and saves time.
💧 Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and keep pasta moist.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Contains dairy and gluten

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 731 kcal
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 897 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 78 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 37 g
Cholesterol: 116 mg