Best 10 Food Networks Old Fashioned Spaghetti Meatballs Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes evoke nostalgia and comfort like "Food Network's Old Fashioned Spaghetti and Meatballs." This classic recipe, a staple on dinner tables for generations, embodies the essence of Italian-American cuisine. With its rich, aromatic sauce, succulent meatballs, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish transports you to a simpler time, where family and food take center stage. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, embarking on a culinary journey to recreate this timeless dish is an experience that will leave your taste buds dancing and your heart full of warmth.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

Extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 cup milk
4 thick slices firm white bread, crust removed
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 1/2 pounds ground pork
1 large egg
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups heated Pomodoro Sauce, recipe follows, or good quality jarred tomato sauce
1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks
Leaves from 3 sprigs fresh basil
1 pound spaghetti
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
Two 28-ounce cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, drained and crushed by hand, liquid reserved
Two 28-ounce cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, drained and crushed by hand, liquid reserved
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

Steps:

  • Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and parsley and cook until the vegetables are soft but still translucent, about 10 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and let cool.
  • Pour enough milk over the bread in a bowl to moisten and let it soak while the onions are cooling. Combine the meats in a large bowl. Add the egg and Parmigiano and season generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands to squeeze the excess milk out of the bread and add that to the bowl along with the cooled onion mixture. (Hang onto the pan - you'll need it to cook the meatballs.) Gently combine all the ingredients with your hands or with a spoon until just mixed together. Don't overwork or the meatballs will be tough. Divide into 10 equal pieces and shape them into 10 nice looking meatballs.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Heat a 3-count of oil in the frying pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 10 minutes. Put them into a baking dish and spoon about half of the tomato sauce over. Shower with the mozzarella and drizzle with olive oil. Put the meatballs in the oven and bake until the meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and put it onto a large serving platter. Pour on the rest of the sauce and mix well. Spoon the meatballs on top of the spaghetti and garnish with basil leaves. Serve immediately along with extra cheese.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully add the tomatoes (nothing splashes like tomatoes) and about 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the sauce is thick, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring for a few minutes with a wooden spoon to further break up the tomatoes. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the fresh basil and season again.

THE BEST SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



The Best Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Who knew that the same technique for shredding pulled pork with two forks will also work for meatballs? In this case, the method ensures that your ingredients are thoroughly mixed yet not compressed, so the resulting meatballs are tender and light. After browning the meatballs, we finish them in a hearty tomato sauce. The meatballs flavor the sauce as they finish cooking.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 cup panko
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon plus a pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 3/4 teaspoons dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 pound ground chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for your hands
1/2 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup dry white wine
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
2 large sprigs basil
1 pound spaghetti

Steps:

  • Whisk together the panko, Parmesan, parsley, fennel seeds, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oregano, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Stir in the cream.
  • Combine the beef, pork and veal in a large bowl. Pull the ground meat apart with two forks as if you were shredding pulled pork, breaking up the clumps and incorporating the meat without compacting it until thoroughly mixed and no clumps remain. Add the panko mixture to the meat and use the same pulling technique to mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • Lightly oil your hands. Scoop out portions of the meat mixture with a 1/4-cup measuring cup or large ice cream scoop; roll the meat gently between your hands into balls. Arrange the balls on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs and cook, turning and rolling occasionally, until they are browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total; remove to a plate. The meatballs will not be cooked through; they will finish cooking in the sauce. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, add the onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the tomato paste, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato paste is brick red, about 1 minute. Stir in the wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook until the liquid is almost completely evaporated, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and basil to the sauce, smashing and breaking up the tomatoes into bite-size pieces with a wooden spoon. Bring the sauce just to a boil, and then add the meatballs with any accumulated juices. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well.
  • Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Discard the basil and season with salt.
  • Add the pasta to the sauce. Gently stir until the sauce coats the pasta. Transfer the spaghetti to a serving platter and top with the meatballs. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

LIGHTER SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Lighter Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 slice whole-wheat sandwich bread, ground into coarse crumbs
8 ounces ground sirloin
1 medium onion, chopped
1 portobello mushroom, stem removed and chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 large egg white
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed by hand
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 small bunch fresh basil
3 sprigs fresh thyme
8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
Parmesan, for serving, optional

Steps:

  • Pulse the sandwich bread in a food processor to form coarse crumbs. Add the beef, 1/4 cup onion, mushroom, 1 tablespoon garlic, parsley, and egg white; season with salt, pepper and nutmeg; pulse again to finely chop and combine. Portion into about 20 meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place on a plate.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat; add the remaining garlic and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and broth. Tie sprigs of basil and thyme together with kitchen twine; add to the tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. Add the meatballs and continue to simmer, without stirring, until the meatballs are partially cooked, about 10 minutes. Turn the meatballs; cook 10 minutes more or until fully cooked.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water; serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti.

FOOD NETWORK'S OLD-FASHIONED SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS



Food Network's Old-Fashioned Spaghetti & Meatballs image

This recipe is delicious, I made it for my very critical parents, who never like anything I make, just because they don't like anything new... but even they loved it!!!! it's the best spaghetti & meatballs I've ever had!

Provided by beckyd52890

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/3 cup bulgur
1/2 cup hot water
4 ounces lean ground beef
4 ounces Italian sausage
1 medium onion, very finely chopped
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
4 cups spaghetti sauce (your favorite flavor)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaf (or chopped fresh parsley)
1 lb spaghetti noodles (whole-wheat preferably) or 1 lb linguine (whole-wheat preferably)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1 ounce romano cheese

Steps:

  • To prepare meatballs: Combine bulgur and water in a small bowl. Let stand until the bulgur is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F Coat a rack with cooking spray and place it over a baking sheet lined with foil.
  • Combine ground beef, sausage, onion, egg whites, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs and the soaked bulgur in a large bowl; mix well. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 24). Place the meatballs on the rack and bake for 25 minutes. Blot well with paper towel.
  • To prepare sauce & spaghetti: Put a large pot of lightly salted water on to boil. Bring sauce to a simmer in a pan. Add the sauce to meatballs and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in basil (or parsley).
  • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti (or linguine) until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the sauce and meatballs and serve with grated cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.9, Fat 14.8, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 30.5, Sodium 1388.4, Carbohydrate 85.4, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 17.3, Protein 26.3

SPAGHETTI AND TURKEY MEATBALLS



Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs image

Provided by Tia Mowry

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup milk
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 large egg
1 pound ground turkey
4 to 8 tablespoons grapeseed oil
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons red wine, optional (for the spicy version)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes, optional (for the spicy version)
Pinch kosher salt
1 pound spaghetti
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Grated Parmesan, for garnish

Steps:

  • For the turkey meatballs: Add the oats to a food processor and pulse a few times. The consistency should resemble breadcrumbs. Add the oats and milk to a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes.
  • Add the onions, spinach, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic and egg to a large bowl and mix well. Add the oat mixture and combine. Lastly, add the turkey and gently fold into the wet mixture. Keep the mixture light by not over-mixing. Form into bite-size balls using a small cookie scoop for uniform meatballs.
  • Heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add half of the meatballs and brown on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and repeat with the second batch, adding more oil if needed. Set the meatballs aside but reserve the Dutch oven for the sauce.
  • For the quick marinara sauce: Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper and garlic to the Dutch oven and stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Gently add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Do not overcrowd. Simmer until the meatballs are cooked thoroughly, another 10 to 15 minutes. If making the optional spicy version, add the red wine and chile flakes in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with a generous pinch of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
  • Combine some of the sauce with the cooked spaghetti. Plate the spaghetti and meatballs and add the remaining sauce over everything. Garnish with parsley, basil and grated Parmesan. Serve hot.

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

Kosher salt
1 pound spaghetti
1 1/2 pounds ground chuck beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 eggs
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
2 large jars tomato sauce
Pinch of sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • For the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well.
  • For the meatballs: Combine the beef, onion, eggs and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Season with the oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Mix well. Form medium-sized meatballs and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot. Add the meatballs 4 or 5 at a time and cook until well browned. Remove to a plate.
  • For the marinara sauce: Cook the onion in olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the green pepper and garlic. Cook until tender. Add the bay leaf, red pepper flakes, oregano and basil. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for an hour if time allows. Stir in the sugar and parsley.
  • Add the pasta to the sauce. Gently stir until the sauce coats the pasta. Transfer the spaghetti to a serving platter or plates and top with the meatballs.

GRANDMA MARONIS MEATBALLS 100 YEAR OLD RECIPE



Grandma Maronis Meatballs 100 Year Old Recipe image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound ground chuck
4 ounces dried bread crumbs
4 large eggs
4 ounces whole milk
6 ounces grated Romano
3 ounces grated Spanish onion
2 ounces finely diced fresh garlic
2 ounces finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 ounces finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
  • Mix all ingredients thoroughly in large bowl. If mixture seems a little loose add more bread crumbs.
  • Roll meatballs loosely about the size of a golf ball and place on baking sheet. Place into preheated oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Enjoy!

SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS



Spaghetti & Meatballs image

Make and share this Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by shopgirlbabydoll

Categories     Healthy

Time 3h20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 slices white bread, torn into small cubes (crusts discarded)
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 6 tablespoons plain yogurt thinned with 2 tablespoons sweet milk)
3/4 lb ground chuck (or 1 pound if omitting ground pork below)
1/4 lb ground pork (to be mixed with ground chuck)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
1 large egg yolk
1 small garlic clove, minced (1 teaspoon)
3/4 teaspoon table salt
ground black pepper
vegetable oil, for pan-frying (about 1 1/4 cups)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil leaf
1 lb spaghetti
grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • For the meatballs: Combine bread and buttermilk in small bowl, mashing occasionally with fork, until smooth paste forms, about 10 minutes.
  • Mix all meatball ingredients, including bread mixture and pepper to taste in medium bowl. Lightly form 3 tablespoons of mixture into 1 1/2-inch round meatballs; repeat with remaining mixture to form approximately 14 meatballs. (Compacting them can make the meatballs dense and hard. Can be placed on large plate, covered loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for several hours.).
  • Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in large pot for cooking pasta.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1/4 -inch vegetable oil over medium-high heat in 10- or 11-inch sauté pan. When edge of meatball dipped in oil sizzles, add meatballs in single layer. Fry, turning several times, until nicely browned on all sides, about 10 minutes, regulating heat as needed to keep oil sizzling but not smoking. Transfer browned meatballs to paper towel--lined plate; set aside. Repeat, if necessary, with remaining meatballs.
  • For the sauce, discard oil in pan, leaving behind any browned bits. Add olive oil along with garlic; sauté, scraping up any browned bits, just until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, bring to boil, and simmer gently until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in basil; add salt and pepper to taste. Add meatballs and simmer, turning them occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Keep warm over low flame.
  • Meanwhile, add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta to boiling water. Cook until al dente, drain, and return to pot. Ladle several large spoonfuls of tomato sauce (without meatballs) over spaghetti and toss until noodles are well coated. Divide pasta among individual bowls and top each with a little more tomato sauce and 2 to 3 meatballs. Serve immediately with grated cheese passed separately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 842.2, Fat 25.5, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 141.1, Sodium 1169.6, Carbohydrate 106.3, Fiber 6.8, Sugar 11.4, Protein 45.3

OLD FASHIONED MEATBALLS & SPAGHETTI



Old Fashioned Meatballs & Spaghetti image

This makes a very large sauce and is freezable. The longer you simmer the better the sauce tastes. You can also cook meatballs in a 400* oven for about 20 minutes.

Provided by Carmen B.

Categories     Spaghetti

Time 2h35m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 25

5 slices day old sweet French bread, crusts removed (can use plain white bread)
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano leaves
2 teaspoons dry basil leaves
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 eggs
3 tablespoons oil
cooked spaghetti
parmesan cheese
2 (12 ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 lb mushroom, chopped
3/4 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons dry basil leaves
1 tablespoon oregano leaves
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups water

Steps:

  • Combine ingredients for gravy; set aside.
  • In a food processor or blender, whirl bread to make crumbs (you should have 2 cups lightly pressed crumbs).
  • In a large bowl, mix together crumbs, ground beef, parmesan cheese, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic, and eggs.
  • Form mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls.
  • Heat oil in a large frying pan and brown meatballs.
  • Drain on paper towels.
  • Add meatballs to gravy.
  • Add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese to gravy.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367.5, Fat 19.5, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 111.6, Sodium 1243.8, Carbohydrate 22.4, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 4, Protein 23

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Authentic Italian Meatballs image

Meatball recipes are often challenged by chefs who claim, "Mine are the best!" Even though my meatballs ARE the best, I will make no such claim. Try them for yourself! This meatball recipe was given to me by my father who got it from a little old lady from Italy that he knew. It's amazing that she gave up her recipe to him, but I sure am glad she did!

Provided by InMemoryofBrats

Categories     Meat

Time 3h20m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb ground beef
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup grated locatelli cheese

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients in a large bowl by hand.
  • Use your bare hands for best results.
  • Roll meatballs to about the size of a golf ball. (wet your hands to prevent the meat from sticking to them while rolling the meat balls).
  • Drop raw meatballs into large (I use a stock pot) pot of sauce.
  • (I have an incredible sauce recipe {#92096} I use for my meatballs).
  • Simmer for about 3 hours.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
  • Brown the meatballs well. This will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
  • Use a good quality spaghetti. This will help to hold the sauce and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Cook the spaghetti al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a delicious finishing touch to the dish.

Conclusion:

This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a classic for a reason. It's simple to make, yet it's always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful sauce, and al dente spaghetti is simply irresistible. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.

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