Description
A cozy spaghetti dinner with tender beef meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, finished with parmesan and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, seasoned breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1/2 cup parmesan, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, nutmeg, beaten egg, and warm water.
- Shape the mixture into about 20 meatballs.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and brown the meatballs in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, then transfer them to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same pan, then cook the onion for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, remaining parsley, remaining salt, and remaining pepper.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- Toss the spaghetti with some of the sauce, top with meatballs, and finish with remaining parmesan and basil if using.
Notes
- Mix the meatball mixture gently so the meatballs stay tender.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Simmer the sauce gently so the meatballs do not break apart.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: spaghetti and meatballs, celebrity inspired pasta, beef meatballs, tomato sauce pasta, cozy dinner recipe