When it comes to classic Italian recipes, spaghetti and meatballs are dishes that hold a special place in many households. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together around the dinner table. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. However, as much as we all love a good spaghetti and meatballs recipe. It’s important to remember that not all versions are created equal. In fact, with a few tweaks, you can turn this classic recipe into a healthy, nutritious, and flavorful meal that your entire family will enjoy.
Growing up in Egypt, I had the pleasure of working for a wonderful family. The mom was an incredible cook, and she profoundly influenced the way I cook today. The spaghetti and meatballs recipe was a staple in her home. I can still vividly recall the mouthwatering aroma of garlic cloves, fresh basil, and tomato sauce simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with warmth and comfort.
Now, as a parent myself, I’ve taken those cherished memories and adapted them into a healthier version that still captures all the delicious flavours of the original recipe.
The Secret to Flavorful Meatballs
The key to making delicious, tender meatballs lies in the meat mixture. While many traditional recipes call for a mix of ground beef and ground pork, you can easily make this dish healthier by using lean ground beef or ground turkey instead. These options provide plenty of protein without the excess saturated fat, making them a great choice for those looking to adopt healthy eating habits.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your meat of choice with breadcrumbs, a large egg, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and basil. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatball mixture together, while the egg adds moisture. Resulting in tender meatballs that are bursting with flavour. For added depth of flavour, I like to include grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic cloves, and finely chopped medium onion in the mix. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste!
Once your meatball mixture is ready, it’s time to form the meatballs. I recommend using a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion out the meat mixture. This ensures that all of your meatballs are the same size, which helps them cook evenly. If you prefer a lighter hand, you can roll the mixture into small balls using your hands.
Cooking the Meatballs
Now that your meatballs are formed, it’s time to cook them to perfection. While some might opt to fry their meatballs in a little olive oil on medium-high heat, baking them on a baking sheet is a healthier alternative that still delivers plenty of flavor.
If you decide to bake yours, preheat the oven and place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Bake them until they’re cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Baking the meatballs instead of frying them reduces the amount of oil needed, which is a great way to cut down on unnecessary fats while still achieving that golden, crispy exterior that everyone loves.
Making the Homemade Marinara Sauce
No spaghetti and meatballs recipe is complete without a rich, homemade marinara sauce. While store-bought options are convenient, making your own sauce from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that it’s free from added sugars and preservatives.
Start by sautéing finely chopped medium onion in a large skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Once the onion is translucent and fragrant, add minced garlic cloves and cook until they release their aroma. Next, stir in some tomato paste or a jar of pasta sauce, which will add a deep, concentrated flavour to your sauce.
Add crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce and a splash of cup water to the skillet. Along with a mix of dried or fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Allow the sauce to simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
This slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld together. Resulting in a rich and robust homemade sauce that pairs perfectly with your tender meatballs.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Bringing It All Together
Once your meatballs and homemade marinara sauce are ready, it’s time to bring this delicious recipe together.
Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be used to thin out your sauce if needed, helping it cling better to the spaghetti noodles.
In a large saucepan, combine the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce. Toss gently to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in a flavourful sauce. Add the cooked meatballs to the pan, stirring carefully to avoid breaking them apart. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
To finish off the dish, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot. Alongside a crusty loaf of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy the entire family.
A Healthy Twist on a Classic Recipe
One of the things I love most about this spaghetti and meatballs recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you prefer using lean ground beef, ground turkey, or a mix of ground beef and ground pork, you can customize this recipe to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Plus, by making a few small changes, like baking the meatballs instead of frying them and making your own sauce, you can create a healthier version of this classic dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
For those days when you’re short on time, consider making a double batch of meatballs and freezing them for later use. Simply place the cooked meatballs in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. When you need a quick and easy meal, just thaw the meatballs, warm up some homemade sauce, and cook pasta for a dinner that’s ready in no time.
Tips for Success
To ensure that your spaghetti and meatballs turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs, garlic, and onions. They add so much flavor to the dish and are packed with nutrients.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients until just combined for tender meatballs.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should have a slight bite to it.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy water is a great tool for adjusting the consistency of your sauce. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Customize the recipe: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of meat, herbs, and spices. Whether you prefer pork meatballs or a mix of ground beef and ground pork, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences.
A Classic Recipe for Every Family
In the end, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a plate of good spaghetti and meatballs. It’s one of those Italian recipes that never goes out of style, and with this healthy twist, you can enjoy it guilt-free. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a special family dinner, this spaghetti and meatballs recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
So next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, easy meal, skip the store-bought meatballs and give this homemade version a try. With a short ingredient list and detailed instructions, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious dinner on the table in no time – and with so much flavour, your family won’t even realise it’s good for them!
Homemade Classic Meatballs and Spaghetti Recipe
Description
This healthy spaghetti and meatballs recipe brings together the comforting flavors of a classic Italian dish with a nutritious twist. Made with lean meat, fresh herbs, and a rich homemade marinara sauce, this easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. It's a delicious way to enjoy a comforting favorite without compromising on health!
Ingredients
Spices
Instructions
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Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat with the minced garlic, ginger, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, and mixed spices (sweet paprika, basil leaves, and cumin). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
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Form and Cook the Meatballs:
- After refrigeration, use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out the meat mixture and roll it into small meatballs (about 20-24 balls).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
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Cook the Pasta:
- While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water (about 1/2 cup) before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato pasta sauce and season with the mixed spices (paprika, basil, and cumin). Stir to combine.
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Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer everything together for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the meatball pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious and flavourful meal!
