Spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatballs

Spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatballs: a classic recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a generous serving of spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatballs? This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends. The origins of this dish are steeped in culinary traditions, and every cook has their own secret to make it special. Let's explore together how to prepare this wonderful recipe!

Ingredients:

*For the meatballs:*
- 300 g minced beef
- 1 egg
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 2 slices of bread (soaked in water)
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- salt, pepper, seasoning
- oil for frying

*For the sauce:*
- 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
- 300 ml tomato sauce
- fresh basil (or dried, to taste)
- salt and pepper (to taste)

*For the pasta:*
- 500 g spaghetti

Step by step: Preparing the meatballs

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, egg, grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped garlic, well-drained bread slices, salt, pepper, and seasoning. It is important to mix all the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous composition. Use your hands, but remember to moisten them slightly to avoid sticking.

2. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form balls the size of a walnut. Make sure they are well compacted so they don't fall apart during frying.

3. Frying the meatballs: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil and fry them until golden brown on all sides. It is essential not to overcrowd the pan, so it is better to fry them in batches. Once they are done, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the tomato sauce

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In the same pan where you fried the meatballs, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as sautéing the vegetables helps develop the flavors.

5. Adding the tomato sauce: Once the onion and bell pepper are ready, add the tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and basil. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will intensify the flavors and give the sauce a perfect consistency.

6. Incorporating the meatballs: Once the sauce is almost ready, add the fried meatballs and let them simmer together with the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, so they absorb some of the sauce's flavors.

Boiling the spaghetti

7. Preparing the pasta: In another pot, bring water to a boil and add salt (about 1 tablespoon for each liter of water). Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 12 minutes, until al dente.

8. Draining the spaghetti: Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it well and add it to the pan with the tomato sauce and meatballs. Gently mix to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Serving:

9. Garnishing and presentation: Serve the spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatballs immediately, sprinkled with a little fresh basil or grated parmesan on top. You can add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as ground chicken or turkey. Additionally, adding vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini to the meatball mixture can enhance the nutrients and flavor.
- The sauce: You can use homemade tomato sauce for an even more authentic taste. A simple tomato sauce recipe involves just fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and basil.
- Drinks: These spaghetti pair excellently with a dry white wine or freshly made lemonade.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and egg in the meatballs. Additionally, the tomato sauce provides a good dose of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. The spaghetti complements the meal with complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the ingredients for the meatballs do not contain gluten.
- Can I prepare the meatballs in advance? Certainly! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just reheat them in the sauce.
- How can I store leftovers? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

In conclusion, this spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatballs recipe is not only a delicious choice but also an excellent way to gather the family around the table. Whether it's a quick dinner during the week or a special meal on the weekend, this recipe will always bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. Enjoy!