Best 6 Test Kitchens Favorite Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipes

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Welcome to the world of flavors and aromas, where culinary artistry meets tradition. Join us on a journey to discover the secrets behind the best recipe for "Test Kitchens Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs". This beloved dish, a harmonious fusion of savory meatballs nestled in a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. As we embark on this culinary adventure, we'll explore the secrets behind crafting tender meatballs, creating a flavorful sauce, and combining them with perfectly cooked spaghetti for an unforgettable dining experience. Let your taste buds prepare for a symphony of flavors as we guide you through the steps of creating this iconic dish, leaving you with a meal that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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

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.

TEST KITCHEN'S FAVORITE SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Test Kitchen's Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Swapping out some of the ground beef for chopped mushrooms is the secret behind the complex flavor of these meatballs. A quick blast in the broiler gives them a nice crust -- and the noncrisp parts soak up the delicious sauce.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups finely chopped onion (from 1 large)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 to 5 cloves)
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
2 cans (each 28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes in juice, pureed in a blender or food processor
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 pound cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1/3 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano (1 ounce), plus more for serving
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 pound ground beef (85 percent lean), preferably grass-fed
1 pound spaghetti, spaghettini, or bucatini

Steps:

  • Red Sauce: Heat a straight-sided skillet over medium. Swirl in oil; add onion and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in garlic and red-pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. Transfer one-third of onion mixture to a bowl and reserve for meatballs. Add tomatoes to skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened slightly, about 20 minutes.
  • Meatballs: While sauce simmers, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Swirl in oil. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and most of moisture has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with reserved onion mixture; let cool slightly.
  • Preheat broiler with rack 4 inches below heating element. Stir breadcrumbs and milk into mushroom mixture until milk is absorbed. Add cheese, parsley, oregano, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add beef and gently fold with your hands until evenly combined (don't overwork, or meatballs will be tough). Use an ice cream scoop, or roll heaping tablespoons between dampened palms, to form thirty 1 1/2-inch balls. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet brushed with oil. Broil, undisturbed, until browned on top, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer meatballs to skillet with red sauce. Simmer, stirring gently, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, boil pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than per package instructions. Drain pasta and return to pot; toss with 1 1/2 cups sauce. Serve, topped with meatballs, more sauce, cheese, red-pepper flakes, and parsley.

BEST SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Best Spaghetti and Meatballs image

One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. -Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 cups chopped onions
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (12 ounces each) tomato paste
3 cups water
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
MEATBALLS:
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups soft bread cubes (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 pounds spaghetti, cooked

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions; saute until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato paste; cook 3-5 minutes. Add next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 50 minutes., Combine the first 7 meatball ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add meatballs; brown in batches until no longer pink. Drain. Add to sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until flavors are blended, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 18g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 1043mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

MY BEST SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS



My Best Spaghetti & Meatballs image

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the Old Spaghetti Factory with my family and ordering a big plate of cheesy spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread. My homemade recipe reminds me of those fun times and satisfies everyone's craving for good Italian food. -Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 27

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons minced fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal or additional ground beef
2 tablespoons canola oil
SAUCE:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
3/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
Hot cooked spaghetti
Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Add beef, pork and veal; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches; drain., In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until paste darkens. Add wine; cook and stir 2 minutes to dissolve any browned tomato paste. , Stir in tomatoes, parsley, sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add basil and meatballs; cook 20-25 minutes longer or until meatballs are cooked through, stirring occasionally. Serve meatballs and sauce with spaghetti. Sprinkle with additional cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 974mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS - AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN RECIPE



Spaghetti & Meatballs - America's Test Kitchen Recipe image

Provided by rdgplus3

Number Of Ingredients 26

Meatballs:
2 1/4 cups Panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp gelatin dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water
2 lbs 85% ground beef
1 lb ground pork
3 large eggs
6 oz prosciutto, finely chopped
3 oz grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Sauce:
3 tsp olive oil
1 - 2 onions grated (to make 1 1/2 cups onion pulp)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
3- 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
6 tbsp white wine
6 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 tsp salt
Pinch pepper
1/2 cup chopped basil
3 tbsp parsley
Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Meatballs: Preheat oven to 450oF Mix together Panko and buttermilk. Let sit 10 minutes. Combine all ingredients and mix gently with hands until combined. Using a ¼ cup scoop, form meatballs and place them on a wire rack, which has been placed on a foil lined cookie sheet. Bake in a 450o F oven for 30 minutes. Sauce: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onions and cook 6 - 8 minutes just until golden around the edges. Add garlic, red pepper flakes and oregano and cook for 30 seconds until you can smell them. Add crushed tomatoes and white wine. Stir, then add tomato juice and salt and pepper. Simmer and then reduce heat to medium low for about 15 minutes. Remove meatballs from oven and reduce heat to 300o F. Add meatballs to sauce and place Dutch oven in the oven. Cook for 1 hour. Cook 3 lbs of pasta according to directions. Once cooked add ½ cups of sauce so pasta doesn't stick together. To the meatballs and sauce add the basil and parsley. Serve the pasta and meatballs and top with Parmesan cheese.

BEST SPAGHETTI 'N' MEATBALLS



Best Spaghetti 'n' Meatballs image

My mom's Italian friend taught her the secret to this saucy spaghetti dish. Our whole family is grateful! Mom gave me this recipe as a wedding present. It's the best-tasting spaghetti ever...and the meatballs are so tender.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h10m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 eggs
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup tomato juice, milk or beef broth
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon each salt, poultry seasoning and garlic powder
2 pounds bulk pork sausage
SAUCE:
4 cups water
2 cans (11-1/2 ounces each) tomato juice
3 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1 jar (1/2 ounce) dried celery flakes
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine eggs, bread crumbs, cheese, tomato juice, green pepper, onion and seasonings. Crumble sausage over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. In a skillet, brown meatballs over medium heat; drain., In a large saucepan, combine the first eight sauce ingredients. Add green pepper, onion and garlic. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaf., Add meatballs to sauce; simmer for 1 hour or until a thermometer reads 160°. Serve with spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
  • Brown the meatballs thoroughly. This will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Use a good quality pasta. This will help the sauce to adhere to the pasta and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is the best way to enjoy it.
  • Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a delicious finishing touch.

Conclusion:

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but it can be easily customized to suit your own taste. Whether you like your meatballs spicy or mild, or your sauce thick or thin, there is a spaghetti and meatballs recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a delicious and comforting meal, give spaghetti and meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed.

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