Spaghetti with marinated meatballs

Baked Marinated Meatballs with Spaghetti: A Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I propose we prepare together a delicious and comforting recipe: baked marinated meatballs with spaghetti. This is a perfect meal for Sundays spent with loved ones or for a quiet evening at home when you want to indulge in a dish that perfectly combines flavors and textures.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

A Brief Introduction to the Recipe's History

Meatballs are a dish with a long history, found in numerous cultures around the world. Whether fried, baked, or boiled, meatballs always bring a sense of comfort and familiarity. When combined with pasta, we create a dish that quickly becomes a family favorite. This recipe for baked marinated meatballs with spaghetti is simple yet full of flavor, and can be customized according to your preferences.

Ingredients

For Meatballs:
- 300-350 g ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
- 1 egg
- Garlic (to taste, 1-2 cloves)
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or basil)
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 grated potato
- Salt, pepper, thyme (to taste)
- Flour (for coating)

For Sauce:
- 2 onions (small, finely chopped)
- 1 cup of water
- A few bay leaves
- A few peppercorns
- Tomato sauce or paste (about 3 tablespoons)

Additionally:
- Grated cheese (for baking)
- 350-400 g spaghetti

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Preparing the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the egg, crushed garlic, finely chopped herbs, grated carrot, and potato. Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Mix the ingredients well with your hands to ensure they are evenly combined.

2. Shaping the Meatballs: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Form small balls from the meat mixture, making sure they are not too large so they cook evenly. Roll each meatball in flour to achieve a slightly crispy crust.

3. Frying the Meatballs: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry them until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This step will add a delicious texture to your meatballs.

Preparing the Sauce

4. Cooking the Onions: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden. This step will intensify the sauce's flavor.

5. Adding Ingredients: Once the onions are browned, add the cup of water, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can combine.

6. Including the Meatballs: Add the fried meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for 5 minutes. Then, add the diluted tomato sauce or paste. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.

Preparing the Pasta

7. Boiling the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually between 5-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the water.

Final Baking

8. Combining Ingredients: In a greased baking dish or deep pot, add the cooked spaghetti and meatballs with sauce. Gently mix to combine the ingredients.

9. Baking: Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and place in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Serving and Suggestions

Your dish is ready! Serve the baked marinated meatballs with spaghetti alongside a fresh salad or a slice of toasted bread. The rich aroma of the meatballs and sauce will make every bite a true delight.

Serving Suggestions:
- You can add grated parmesan on top for extra flavor.
- Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavors.
- To diversify the recipe, you can use chicken or turkey instead of pork.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the meat and egg, and the addition of vegetables (carrot and potato) provides an important intake of vitamins and fiber. The spaghetti serves as a good source of carbohydrates, providing the energy needed for an active day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can use beef or a mix of meats according to your preferences.

How can I store leftovers?
If you have leftover spaghetti with meatballs, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry red wine or a cold lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this meal.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs and freeze them. When you're ready to cook them, you can fry them directly from the freezer, just be aware that they will need a longer cooking time.

Personal Note

This recipe for baked marinated meatballs with spaghetti reminds me of Sunday meals spent with family, when we all gathered around the table, savoring every bite. It is a recipe that combines tradition with comfort and love, perfect for unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!