Mama Mia the Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs Thats Easier Than You Think
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make meatballs that are genuinely juicy and packed with flavour? This homemade meatballs recipe is the answer.
These meatballs are tender, herby, and swim in a ridiculously good tomato sauce.
Brief Overview
Spaghetti and meatballs, while often thought of as purely Italian, has a fascinating history, likely evolving with Italian immigrants in the US.
This recipe is a medium effort, taking around 2 hours to make, and yields about 6 generous servings. It is true that this classic dish is not just Italian, it is very Angelosoni
Main Benefits
This easy meatball marinara recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a casual get-together with mates. Plus, it's packed with protein and healthy fats from the meat, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
It's special 'cause of the secret ingredient in the meatballs but you’ll have to keep reading to find out what it is!
Ingredients
Ready to get started? Here's what you need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup (60g) plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (50ml) whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (5g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
- ½ tsp (1g) dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
These ingredients create the best meatballs recipe you will ever cook! Let’s get cooking, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment for Mama Mia! Meatballs
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. What do you need to how do you make meatballs that'll knock your socks off? This ain't rocket science.
We're aiming for simple and delicious, yeah? I’m telling you, the homemade meatballs recipe is very simple.
Main Ingredients: Let's Measure Up!
Okay, grab your measuring cups. Here's what you need for the best meatballs recipe :
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g). Look for 80/20 for flavour. Trust me.
- Ground Pork: ½ lb (225g).
- Egg: 1 , large.
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (60g). Panko’s awesome for texture.
- Parmesan: ¼ cup (30g). Plus extra to serve.
- Milk: ¼ cup (50ml). Whole milk or cream is fine.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Parsley: 1 tbsp (5g), chopped. Fresh is best.
- Oregano: 1 tsp (2g), dried.
- Basil: ½ tsp (1g), dried.
- Salt: ½ tsp .
- Pepper: ¼ tsp .
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp , for browning.
For the Tomato Sauce:
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp .
- Onion: 1 , medium, chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can .
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .
- Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce/170g) can .
- Oregano: 1 tsp , dried.
- Basil: ½ tsp , dried.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ tsp (optional). For a kick.
- Sugar: 1 tsp .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Basil: For garnish (optional).
For the Spaghetti:
- Spaghetti: 1 lb (450g), dry.
- Salt: For pasta water. Don’t be shy.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
We are diving in the seasoning for the easy meatball marinara , right? Oregano and basil are your go-to Italian combo.
Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Honestly, fresh garlic makes all the difference. Don't skimp on it!. If you only have dried parsley, that'll do in a pinch.
It's really simple to recreate homemade meatballs .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Here's what you'll need. Nothing too fancy:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For the meatballs.
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning and simmering.
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons.
If you don't have a skillet, a large frying pan will work. A stockpot can stand in for a Dutch oven, too.
Just don't use a non-stick pan for browning. It just doesn't get hot enough, know what I mean? This meatball recipes easy to do with these basic tools.
Meatball recipes can be simple and delicious, and that's what we are after.
Mama Mia! The Secret to Seriously Juicy Meatball Recipe s
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love spaghetti and meatballs? Honestly, it's comfort food at its finest! This Homemade Meatballs Recipe is so easy and always a hit. Let's dive in!
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
Before we even think about how to make meatballs , let's get organised. Grab your ground beef and pork (80/20 blend is fab!), breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, milk, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, olive oil, onions, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave), spaghetti and all the seasonings!
Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and measure everything out.
This saves you a heap of time later, trust me. It takes around 30 minutes , 15 active and 15 resting.
It's the best way to make this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
The Easy Peasy Process of How To Make Meatballs
Alright, here’s the lowdown on how do you make meatballs .
- Mix the ground beef, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, milk, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Don't overmix!
- Let the mixture chill in the fridge for 15 minutes . This helps them stick together.
- Roll the mixture into 1 inch (2.5 cm) meatballs.
- Brown those babies in olive oil over medium high heat until browned on all sides. Remember, you don't want to cook them all the way through, just get some colour on them.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onion until softened. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer!
- Gently place the browned meatballs in the sauce, cover, and simmer on low for 1- 2 hours , or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions.
Pro Tips and Meatball Recipes Easy Secrets
Pro Tip #1: Don't overmix the meatball mixture! Overmixing leads to tough meatballs. Honestly, handle it gently. Pro Tip #2: Browning is key! This step adds so much flavour.
Pro Tip #3: Simmer, simmer, simmer. Low and slow is the way to go for tender meatballs and a rich sauce.
This is what makes the Best Meatballs Recipe .
Now you have a great Italian Meatball Recipe .
Common mistakes to avoid
Be careful not to overwork the mixture. It's a common problem, but now you know.
So there you have it! Time to tuck in. I really hope you enjoy this recipe! It's bound to become a firm favourite.
Recipe Notes
Right, let's talk about those all-important recipe notes! Honestly, this is where the magic really happens. These aren't just afterthoughts; they're the secrets to taking your Spaghetti and Meatballs from "meh" to "Mama Mia!"
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Dinner
Plating matters, right? Think about it: a simple sprinkle of fresh basil and a generous grating of Parmesan instantly elevates your spaghetti and meatballs recipe .
Serve it in a nice, deep bowl to keep all that sauce contained. For sides, garlic bread is a total no-brainer.
You can't go wrong with that. A light, zesty side salad provides a good bit of freshness. Honestly, I think a glass of Chianti just sets the mood.
Don’t you?
Storage Tips: Keep the Good Times Rolling
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate your homemade meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers. They'll happily keep for 3-4 days .
How do you make meatballs taste better? Freezing is also an option! Place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
They'll keep for up to 2 months . Reheat gently in the sauce on the stovetop, or even in the microwave if you're in a rush.
Keep a safe temperature, over 165F .
Variations: Make It Your Own
Want to mix things up a bit? For a gluten-free version of our homemade meatballs recipe , use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Swap out regular pasta for zucchini noodles. If you want to keep it vegetarian, use a quality plant based mince as a sub in a meatball recipes easy .
During the summer, fresh, ripe tomatoes make an incredible sauce. Honestly, try it with some garden herbs like oregano.
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body
Each serving clocks in around 650 calories, packing a punch with 40g of protein! There’s also a good 30g of fat and 55g of carbohydrates, so it’s balanced.
Ground beef and pork are great sources of iron. The tomato sauce is loaded with Vitamin C. The Vitamin C helps you to build your immune system during the winter months.
Just remember, these are estimates, and nutrition can vary depending on ingredients used.
How to make meatballs that are not only delicious, but also enjoyable for everyone? Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, have fun! These juicy meatball recipe tips will help you make the best meatballs recipe every time.
Now go on, get cooking and create your own Italian meatball recipe masterpiece! Don't just wing it, but also remember cooking isn't about perfection, it is about the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my meatballs always so tough? Am I doing something wrong?
Tough meatballs are a common kitchen woe! The most likely culprit is overmixing the meatball mixture. Think of it like making a cake batter too much mixing develops the gluten, leading to a tougher result. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined, and they should be tender as a teddy bear.
How do you make meatballs that are super juicy and flavourful? I'm tired of dry meatballs!
Ah, the holy grail of meatball making! The key to juicy meatballs is using a mix of ground meats, like beef and pork, and adding moisture. A little milk or cream and some breadcrumbs really help to keep things nice and moist.
Don't forget to brown them before simmering in the sauce that adds layers of flavour that will make your tastebuds sing like Freddie Mercury at Wembley!
Can I freeze meatballs, and if so, what's the best way to do it?
Absolutely! Freezing meatballs is a great way to get ahead. You can freeze them raw or cooked. For both, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching. Freeze for a couple of hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Cooked meatballs can go directly into sauce from frozen, while raw meatballs should be thawed in the fridge overnight before cooking.
I'm trying to cut down on red meat. Can I use turkey or chicken instead? And how do you make meatballs with those?
Good on you for trying to eat a bit healthier! Yes, you can absolutely substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork. Both can be a bit drier than beef or pork, so I would mix breadcrumbs with water to form a past before mixing into the ground poultry.
You might need to add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.
How do you make meatballs in a slow cooker?
Slow cookers and meatballs are a match made in culinary heaven! Simply brown the meatballs as directed in the recipe, then place them in your slow cooker. Pour your tomato sauce over the meatballs, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
The long, slow cooking time makes the meatballs incredibly tender and infuses them with flavour. Serve over spaghetti and enjoy simples!
Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Tomato sauce, like a fine wine, often gets better with age, or at least sitting in the fridge for a day or two. Make the sauce according to the recipe instructions, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce for longer storage. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Mama Mia The Ultimate Spaghetti And Meatballs Th
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 55g |
