Print

Easy Cheesy Spaghetti and Meatballs

easy cheesy spaghetti and meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and comforting dinner recipe featuring tender meatballs and a creamy cheesy tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80% lean recommended for juicy meatballs)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (Italian style or plain)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape
  • Salt for pasta water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs with milk for 5 minutes until soft. Add the ground beef, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) meatballs, about 18-20 meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray ready for cooking.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, giving them space to brown evenly. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden crust forms. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Nestle the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and spooning sauce over meatballs.
  7. While meatballs simmer, cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain well.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir shredded mozzarella into the sauce until melted and creamy.
  9. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs or spoon the sauce and meatballs over the pasta on plates. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick after adding cheese, stir in a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning meatballs to get a crispy crust. Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation. Meatballs can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months frozen (meatballs and sauce separately).

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy spaghetti, meatballs, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, creamy tomato sauce, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-cheesy-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe-for-the-perfect-cozy-dinner/