CLASSIC SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

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CLASSIC SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS image

Categories     Beef

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 20

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

Steps:

  • INSTRUCTIONS 1. For the meatballs: Combine bread and buttermilk in small bowl, mashing occasionally with fork, until smooth paste forms, about 10 minutes. 2. 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.) 3. Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in large pot for cooking pasta. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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.

einas elwasila
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This recipe is a classic for a reason! The meatballs are so moist and flavorful, and the sauce is rich and delicious. I highly recommend this recipe.


John Prince
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I made this recipe for my friends and they loved it! The meatballs were so tender and juicy, and the sauce was flavorful and hearty. I will definitely be making this again.


Bunkaya Gardinga
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious! The meatballs were cooked perfectly and the sauce was flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


Deshi Boyes
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I've made this recipe several times and it always turns out great! The meatballs are so moist and flavorful, and the sauce is rich and delicious. I highly recommend this recipe.


MH Fahi
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This recipe is a keeper! The meatballs were so tender and juicy, and the sauce was flavorful and hearty. I will definitely be making this again and again.


Melissa Apollon
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I made this recipe for my family last night and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the meatballs and the sauce. I will definitely be making this again.


raheelanaeem
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This is the best spaghetti and meatballs recipe I've ever tried! The meatballs were so moist and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and delicious. I will definitely be making this again.