Description

This classic comfort dish features juicy, skillet-seared meatballs and a rich, savory tomato sauce served over perfect al dente spaghetti. It is a family-favorite meal that tastes like a warm hug from the inside out, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or a slow Sunday tradition.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
1/4 cup milk (to keep meatballs soft)
1 large egg (to act as glue)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced very small
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Sauce and Pasta:
1 pound spaghetti (one standard box)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar (to cut the acid)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Make the Panade: Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes until it looks like a paste to ensure moist meatballs.
Mix and Roll: Gently combine beef, pork, egg, cheese, parsley, garlic, spices, and the breadcrumb paste. Roll into 16-20 golf-ball-sized rounds.
Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes to create a flavorful crust, then set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Boil Pasta: Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain.
Assemble: Toss pasta with sauce and top with the meatballs and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Use your hands to mix the meat so you do not overwork it—this keeps the texture light. For extra flavor, keep the brown bits in the pan after searing the meat to build your sauce. If the sauce is too thick when reheating, simply add a small splash of water or broth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop/Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-Style

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g