Spaghetti and meatballs recipe is one of the most popular and liked dishes in the world. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that consists of long, thin noodles like pasta “spaghetti” topped with juicy meatballs and tomato sauce. But do you know where this dish originated from and how it became so popular?
Spaghetti and meatballs recipe is actually not a traditional Italian dish, but an American invention. It was created by Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who adapted their recipes to suit the ingredients and tastes of their new country. They used spaghetti instead of the thicker pasta they were used to, and they made larger meatballs with cheaper cuts of meat. They also added more tomato sauce to make the dish more flavorful and filling.
Spaghetti and meatballs recipe soon became a staple of Italian-American cuisine, and spread to other parts of the US and the world. It is now a favorite dish for many people, especially children, who love the combination of noodles, meat, and cheese. It is also a versatile dish that can be customized with different types of pasta, meat, sauce, cheese, and herbs.
In this post, you will learn how to make spaghetti and meatballs from scratch with this simple and easy spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your spaghetti and meatballs even better. You will be amazed by how delicious this dish is, and how easy it is to make at home.
Health Benefits of Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Spaghetti and meatballs is not only delicious but also nutritious. It provides protein from the meatballs, carbohydrates from the pasta, fiber from the tomato sauce, vitamins from the onion and garlic, minerals from the cheese (if using), and healthy fats from the olive oil. It is also a balanced meal that can keep you full and satisfied for hours.
Some of the health benefits of spaghetti and meatballs are:
It can help boost your immune system with garlic, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
It can lower your cholesterol levels with parsley, which contains antioxidants that can prevent oxidative damage to your blood vessels.
It can improve your digestion with tomato sauce, which contains lycopene that can protect your stomach lining from inflammation.
It can strengthen your bones with cheese (if using), which contains calcium that can prevent osteoporosis.
It can enhance your mood with spaghetti, which contains tryptophan that can increase your serotonin levels.
Of course, you should enjoy spaghetti and meatballs in moderation, as it can also be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat.
So, can we make healthier Spaghetti and meatballs? Yes, by using lean meat, whole wheat pasta, low-sodium sauce, and low-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables to the sauce or serve it with a green salad to increase your fiber intake.
Other Possible Recipe Options for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe: Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole, Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs, Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs, Spaghetti and Meatball Soup, Spaghetti and Meatballs with Spinach.
Best Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe, A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Description
This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few basic ingredients. You will need ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, olive oil, onion, tomato sauce, spaghetti, and cheese (optional).
The recipe consists of four main steps: Making the meatballs, Making the sauce, Cooking the spaghetti, and Assembling the dish. The total time for this recipe is about an hour, but most of it is hands-off time while the meatballs bake in the oven or the sauce simmers on the stove. The result is a mouthwatering dish that will make you feel like you are in an Italian restaurant.
Ingredients List for Spaghetti and meatballs Recipe
Instructions for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
For meatballs
Prepare meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix these ingredients well and shape into 1-inch balls.
Cook Meat Balls
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and cook the meatballs on all sides until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
You may need to cook the meatballs in batches. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and keep warm.
Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook Spaghetti
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente (nicely cooked till firm to bite), about 10 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
Serve
Serve the spaghetti topped with the meatballs and sauce, sprinkled with cheese if desired.
You can use more salads on the side or your favorite dips if you need more flavor.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 105mg35%
- Sodium 520mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 29g58%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Notes:
- You can use store-bought or frozen meatballs instead of making your own. Just thaw them before adding them to the sauce or baking them in the oven.
- You can use jarred or canned tomato sauce instead of making your own. Just add some water if it is too thick or some tomato paste if it is too thin. You can also season it with your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
- You can use pre-cooked or microwaveable spaghetti instead of boiling it in water. Just follow the instructions on the package and drain well before serving.
- You can use shredded or grated cheese instead of slicing or grating it yourself. Just sprinkle it over the dish before serving or melting it in the microwave or oven if you like.
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