Italian meatballs are juicy and full of flavor, made with ground beef, herbs, and spices. They’re perfect for a hearty meal with pasta or as a tasty appetizer!
Who can resist the smell of meatballs cooking? I love enjoying them with a big spoonful of marinara sauce and grated cheese on top. It’s good comfort food that warms the heart! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: This combo provides great flavor and texture. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute with lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but you can use panko for a crunchier texture. If gluten-free is a must, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. I sometimes add oats for extra fiber, too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. If dairy-free, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the milk.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds freshness, but you can also use basil or a mix of Italian herbs for variety. I love adding a bit of fresh basil for a pop of flavor during the cooking process!
Red Pepper Flakes: If you like heat, go ahead and add them! For less spice, you can use sweet paprika instead, or just leave it out altogether.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Meatballs from Falling Apart?
Meatballs can be tricky, but there are tips to ensure they hold their shape. First, don’t overmix your meatball mixture! Just gently combine the ingredients until they’re mixed. Overmixing makes them dense and tough.
- Use a lightly damp hand to shape your meatballs; this helps prevent sticking.
- Chill the formed meatballs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes them firmer and easier to handle.
- Make sure your oven is preheated and bake them on parchment paper for easy removal.
These little tricks will help your meatballs stay perfectly round and delicious! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Italian Meatballs with Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 45 minutes. Most of that is just letting the meatballs bake while you cook the spaghetti and heat the sauce—easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get your oven ready for those delicious meatballs!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine all your meatball ingredients: the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs may turn out tough!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure they are spaced out a little so they cook evenly.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
While the meatballs are baking, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside for later.
6. Heat the Marinara Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the marinara sauce and heat it until it starts to simmer. When the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the sauce, letting them simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps them soak up all that delicious flavor!
7. Serve Up Your Dish:
Grab your cooked spaghetti and place it on plates. Top with the meatballs and plenty of that tasty marinara sauce. Finish it off with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a lovely touch.
8. Enjoy!
Dive into your delicious homemade Italian meatballs with spaghetti! It’s comfort food at its finest.
## FAQ
Can I Use Only Ground Beef for the Meatballs?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use just ground beef instead of mixing it with ground pork. This will give the meatballs a slightly different flavor, but they will still be delicious. Just keep the other ingredients the same for best results!
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute. If using oats, consider giving them a quick pulse in a food processor for a finer texture. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning slightly, as these substitutes may absorb moisture differently.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can easily prepare the meatballs in advance! Form the meatballs, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for up to 1 month. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, you can bake them from frozen; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs and Spaghetti?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce appears thick, stir in a little water or extra marinara sauce to bring it back to your desired consistency.
