Spaghetti with Meatballs, a hearty and flavorful dish consisting of a base of tomato spaghetti and meatballs made of mixed ground meat.
This recipe, especially popular in Italian communities in the United States, has sparked a little debate: Americans say it is an Italian recipe while Italians say it is entirely an American recipe.
Whatever the truth, it’s still a delicious main course that you absolutely must try!
In the article, you will find my meatball recipe, but if you have a trusted one, feel free to use yours!
And if you think you’ve seen them somewhere before, it’s because they have surely reminded you of the famous scene from Lady and the Tramp: the two protagonists of the Disney animated film are eating these very spaghetti.
At the end of the recipe in the FAQ section, I answered some questions about the preparation of this pasta. If you have any other doubts or curiosities, leave a comment or use the contact form.
Here are other hearty and flavorful main courses:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 609.66 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 43.12 (g) of which sugars 0.52 (g)
- Proteins 26.55 (g)
- Fat 36.86 (g) of which saturated 13.30 (g)of which unsaturated 17.93 (g)
- Fibers 3.24 (g)
- Sodium 1,461.80 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 250 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Spaghetti with Meatballs Ingredients
- 12.35 oz spaghetti
- 14.11 oz tomato puree
- 2.11 tbsps Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
- 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- 14.11 oz mixed ground meat
- 2 slices white bread
- 1 egg
- 2.11 tbsps Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- to taste garlic powder
Tools
Disclaimer: the “Tools” section contains affiliate links.
- Kitchen Scale
- Bowls
- Pots
- Colander
- Ladles
Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe
If you like meatballs, you will find many recipes in the collection Recipes for all tastes.
Start the preparation of spaghetti with meatballs by making the meatballs first.
Finely chop the white bread with a knife or a blender.
In a bowl, combine the ground meat, salt, black pepper, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and chopped white bread.
Mix with a spoon until you get a homogeneous and non-sticky mixture.
Form the meatballs with a spoon or a 2-inch ice cream scoop.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pot.
Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides.
Add the tomato puree to the pot and cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt if necessary.
Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water.
Drain them into the pot with the tomato sauce and mix well.
Transfer the dressed spaghetti to shallow bowls.
Place the meatballs on the plate with the spaghetti.
Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and immediately serve the spaghetti with meatballs.
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Consult this section to clarify your doubts, if you do not find the answer to your question, comment or write to me using the form below.
Do you know Chicken Parmigiana? This recipe is also part of the Italian-American tradition.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Of course, you can use any pasta you like, including spelt or rice.
Can I prepare the tomato sauce with peeled tomatoes?
Certainly, but mash them well!
Can I use only beef mince?
Sure, the recipe remains unchanged.
If you love rich and hearty main courses, try Pici with Saffron Cream and Sausage.
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