Spaghetti with meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs: a classic, comforting, and incredibly tasty recipe that reminds us of family meals and relaxing moments with loved ones. This recipe is not just a combination of pasta and sauce, but a true symphony of flavors, textures, and colors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, spaghetti and meatballs are always an inspired choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

*For the meatballs:*
- 500 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added juiciness)
- 1 handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 handful of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 mushroom, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 100 g bread crumbs (preferably homemade bread)
- 50 g grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
- ½ cup red wine

*For the sauce:*
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 mushrooms, chopped
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (about 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 handful of grated parmesan (for serving)
- Fresh parsley and basil leaves, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup red wine

*For the spaghetti:*
- 400 g spaghetti

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the meatballs
Start by preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the parsley, basil, chopped mushroom, eggs, bread crumbs, and parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Use your hands to form balls about 2 cm in diameter, making sure they are well pressed.

2. Frying the meatballs
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. If you don't have a large enough skillet, fry them in two batches. Once they are ready, pour the red wine over the meatballs and let it evaporate a bit, adding a touch of flavor.

3. Preparing the sauce
In the same skillet, add a little oil if necessary and sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot for 5 minutes until soft. Then, add the chopped mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes.

4. Combining the meatballs with the sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried meatballs to the skillet. Let everything simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also add a little red wine here to enhance the sauce's flavor.

5. Boiling the spaghetti
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes for al dente spaghetti. When ready, drain them and reserve a cup of the boiling water.

6. Serving
On a platter or in bowls, place the spaghetti, add the meatball sauce on top, and sprinkle with grated parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately alongside a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Helpful tips for a perfect result
- Use fresh meat, preferably from local butchers, for better flavor.
- You can experiment with different spices and herbs (like oregano or thyme) to customize the flavors.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes.
- Replace spaghetti with vegetable pasta for a healthier and vegan-friendly option.

Nutritional benefits
This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is rich in protein due to the meat and eggs, while the tomatoes provide an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, the greens add essential vitamins and minerals. In total, a serving contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Possible variations
- You can add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the sauce to enrich it.
- Instead of parmesan, you can use feta cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Experiment with the sauce: you can opt for a pesto sauce or a white sauce based on cream.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use chicken or turkey for the meatballs? Absolutely! These types of meat are leaner and can provide a healthy option.
- How can I make the meatballs less fatty? Try using lean meat and reducing the amount of oil used for frying.
- What wine should I use for the sauce? A dry red wine is ideal, but you can also use white wine, depending on your preferences.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! Spaghetti and meatballs are more than just a meal; they are a culinary experience that brings joy and comfort. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the process and, above all, the final result. Enjoy your meal!