Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara

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This classic spaghetti with meatballs and marinara sauce is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for family dinners. Juicy homemade meatballs are simmered in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce and served over a bed of spaghetti for an unforgettable Italian meal.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
  • For the Marinara Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • For the Spaghetti:
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-1.5 inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
  1. Cook the Meatballs:
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
  1. Make the Marinara Sauce:
  • In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onions until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  1. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce:
  • Add the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and let simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  1. Cook the Spaghetti:
  • While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
  1. Serve:
  • Serve the meatballs and marinara sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara!

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