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Spaghetti and Meatballs

This recipe for the best Spaghetti and Meatballs is going to become a family favorite with the combination of pork and beef alongside classic Italian spices!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 413kcal
Author Dina

Ingredients

For the meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground pork
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 garlic clove grated
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup water

For the spaghetti sauce

Instructions

  • In a medium pan sauté 1/2 cup chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine ground beef, ground pork, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 grated garlic clove, 2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 2 eggs. Mix using the paddle attachment.
  • Once the meat has come together, add 1/3 cup water. And mix once more.
    Steps to make Spaghetti and Meatballs: saute the onions, then add the pork, beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and eggs, mix, add water, and mix again.
  • Using a cookie scoop, round the meatballs.
  • In a large skillet heat 1/2 cup olive oil. Cook the meatballs over medium high heat until almost completely cooked. Then set aside.
    Steps to make Spaghetti and Meatballs: scoop the meatballs and then saute them in a pan.
  • In the same skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  • Add the chopped plum tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 4 tsp brown sugar (optional). Cook over medium low heat for 40 minutes.
  • Add the meatballs and cook for another 40 minutes.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package and add it to the meatballs.
    Steps to make Spaghetti and Meatballs: saute the onions for the sauce, then add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, fresh basil, and brown sugar and simmer, then add the meatballs, simmer, and finally add the spaghetti.

Notes

  • Use a cookie scoop to mold the meatballs- Keeping the meatballs to a uniform shape helps them cook evenly, and packing them into shape also ensures they don't fall apart as they cook.
  • Don't overcook the meatballs- You won't cook them fully because they are placed in the sauce and will cook further there. So don't overcook them in the first stage.
  • Cook the pasta al dente- You don't want your pasta to be mushy, especially when mixed with your meatballs, so only cook it to al dente.
  • Don't rush the process- This dish needs time to simmer and let the flavors develop and marry together, so don't rush it. It's worth the wait!

Nutrition

Calories: 413kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.4g | Protein: 35.3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3.5g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 903mg | Fiber: 2.7g | Sugar: 6.5g