Spaghetti with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce is a classic and comforting dish that brings joy to family tables. Nothing compares to the rich flavors of well-fried meatballs, soaked in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, that will delight both children and adults. This recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner, but also ideal for special occasions.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 350g ground beef
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon chili (optional)
- 1 slice of stale bread or equivalent in breadcrumbs
- 30ml milk
- 30ml olive oil
- 300ml tomato juice
- 400ml vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 300-450g spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs
Start by preparing the meatballs, a central element of this dish. Place the ground beef in a large bowl, add the egg, half of the parsley, and half of the teaspoon of chili if you desire a bit of spice. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
The stale bread needs to soften to provide a pleasant texture to the meatballs. Therefore, place the slice of bread in a bowl with milk and let it soak for a few minutes. After it has softened, squeeze out the excess milk and add the bread to the meat mixture. Use a spatula or simply your hands to mix all the ingredients well.
Once you have a homogeneous mixture, form small meatballs with your hands. Place them on a tray and let them chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is essential to maintain their shape during frying.
Step 2: Frying the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and fry them on both sides until they turn golden and change color. This step will give them a delicious crust and help retain the juiciness inside.
Once the meatballs are ready, prepare the tomato sauce. In an oven-safe dish, add the tomato juice, the remaining chili, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the fried meatballs to this sauce and bake them at 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce starts to bubble. This will allow the flavors to combine and add depth to your dish.
Step 3: Cooking the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to boil them in salted water to add extra flavor. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well and place it in a large bowl.
Step 4: Assembling the Dish
Pour the meatball sauce over the pasta and gently mix to combine all the flavors. Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley and grated Parmesan on top for an appetizing look and perfect taste.
Serving:
Serve the spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce hot, alongside a crisp green salad or a fresh baguette to complete this tasty meal. You can also add a glass of red wine or fresh lemonade for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Helpful Tips:
- If you prefer spicier meatballs, you can add more chili or even a bit of chili sauce to the meat mixture.
- You can replace the ground beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- If you are short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs, but the tomato sauce is definitely worth making from scratch.
Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the meat and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from the pasta, which are essential for daily energy. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is a healthier option, rich in fiber.
2. How do I store leftover meatballs?
Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, both the meatballs and the sauce can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
This spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce recipe is not only delicious but also comforting, bringing a touch of nostalgia with every bite. So gather your family and enjoy a warm and savory meal that will make every moment spent together memorable.
Spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce is a classic and comforting dish that brings joy to family tables. Nothing compares to the rich flavors of well-fried meatballs, soaked in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, that will delight both children and adults. This recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner, but also ideal for special occasions.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 350g ground beef
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon chili (optional)
- 1 slice of stale bread or equivalent in breadcrumbs
- 30ml milk
- 30ml olive oil
- 300ml tomato juice
- 400ml vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 300-450g spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs
Start by preparing the meatballs, a central element of this dish. Place the ground beef in a large bowl, add the egg, half of the parsley, and half of the teaspoon of chili if you desire a bit of spice. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
The stale bread needs to soften to provide a pleasant texture to the meatballs. Therefore, place the slice of bread in a bowl with milk and let it soak for a few minutes. After it has softened, squeeze out the excess milk and add the bread to the meat mixture. Use a spatula or simply your hands to mix all the ingredients well.
Once you have a homogeneous mixture, form small meatballs with your hands. Place them on a tray and let them chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is essential to maintain their shape during frying.
Step 2: Frying the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and fry them on both sides until they turn golden and change color. This step will give them a delicious crust and help retain the juiciness inside.
Once the meatballs are ready, prepare the tomato sauce. In an oven-safe dish, add the tomato juice, the remaining chili, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the fried meatballs to this sauce and bake them at 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce starts to bubble. This will allow the flavors to combine and add depth to your dish.
Step 3: Cooking the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to boil them in salted water to add extra flavor. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well and place it in a large bowl.
Step 4: Assembling the Dish
Pour the meatball sauce over the pasta and gently mix to combine all the flavors. Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley and grated Parmesan on top for an appetizing look and perfect taste.
Serving:
Serve the spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce hot, alongside a crisp green salad or a fresh baguette to complete this tasty meal. You can also add a glass of red wine or fresh lemonade for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Helpful Tips:
- If you prefer spicier meatballs, you can add more chili or even a bit of chili sauce to the meat mixture.
- You can replace the ground beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- If you are short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs, but the tomato sauce is definitely worth making from scratch.
Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the meat and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from the pasta, which are essential for daily energy. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is a healthier option, rich in fiber.
2. How do I store leftover meatballs?
Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, both the meatballs and the sauce can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
This spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce recipe is not only delicious but also comforting, bringing a touch of nostalgia with every bite. So gather your family and enjoy a warm and savory meal that will make every moment spent together memorable.