Indulge in a bowl of Spaghetti And Meatballs, a dish with Italian roots that’s pure comfort food for many Americans.
Spaghetti and meatballs may seem solely Italian, but the dish’s origins stem from Italian and American influences. This hearty dish first emerged when Italian immigrants came to the United States. Like most immigrants, they carried their culinary traditions while adjusting recipes to suit local ingredients and new cultural norms.
In Italy, meatballs, known as polpette, are usually smaller and served as a side dish or in soups rather than on top of pasta. However, once in America, Italian families discovered that meat was inexpensive, prompting them to make larger meatballs and serve them over pasta to create a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
The fusion of meatballs and spaghetti topped with tomato sauce quickly gained popularity. Today, spaghetti and meatballs symbolizes Italian heritage and remains a beloved dish for families worldwide.
One of the best things about spaghetti and meatballs is its incredible versatility and variety. Everyone has their favorite sauce and cheese to top the dish with, and in this recipe, you’ll find marinara sauce and shredded Parmesan cheese. Let’s dig in!
Is Spaghetti and Meatballs Healthy?
Spaghetti and meatballs can be healthy when made with the right ingredients. The pasta offers a source of carbs for energy, and you could always swap to whole-grain spaghetti for added fiber. For the meat, choose low-fat ground beef, such as 80/20 or 90/10 (meaning only 20% or 10% fat). You can also use ground turkey or make Chicken Meatballs, so you get a healthy dose of protein with less fat.
Meanwhile, marinara sauce is made with tomatoes, which provide vitamin A and lycopene. And if you want to skip the jarred sauce, make your own!
What is Marinara?
Marinara sauce, tomato sauce—are they the same? Not exactly. Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce made with herbs, red pepper, onions, and garlic. There are variations, but that is essentially the base. Generally speaking, marinara sauce is thinner than tomato sauce and doesn’t need to cook as long. It can be done in as little as ten minutes. Tomato sauce is thicker, richer, and has more complex flavors. It should simmer for at least a few hours and usually includes animal fat (like pancetta) or beef stock.
If you’re wondering what the name “marinara” means, it translates to “seafaring.” This isn’t because the sauce was eaten with seafood, but rather because it was a staple for Italian merchants out at sea.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Spaghetti and meatballs taste even better as leftovers. The flavors become more intense, and the sauce soaks into the pasta. Yum! Store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
What should you serve with your spaghetti and meatballs? If you love the classics, try garlic bread. Broil a thick slice of toast, brush it with melted butter, and sprinkle it with garlic salt. Alternatively, go easy on the carbs and serve warm Cauliflower Bread with butter instead.
Salads always go well with a hearty pasta dish. For a refreshing side, try a Caprese Salad, a Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad, or a classic Caesar Salad. Additionally, bruschetta makes a nice appetizer before serving your spaghetti and meatballs.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine egg, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, Parmesan, ground beef, and breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined, then form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, warm marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Add baked meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce, then serve with additional grated Parmesan.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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