You know, there’s something about a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs that just feels like home. Picture this—a chilly evening, friends gathered around the table, and the warmth of a delicious meal filling the air. This fancy spaghetti and meatballs dish is perfect for pairing with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread. Trust me, those extra touches make all the difference! Not only does it feed the belly, but it also warms the soul. Let’s dive into this comforting, yet sophisticated recipe together, shall we?
Fancy spaghetti and meatballs is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian-American dish. This recipe elevates the classic by adding rich flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a touch of love. When I think about spaghetti and meatballs, it brings back memories of family gatherings, cozy dinners, and heartfelt conversations. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, making it perfect for dinner parties or just a cozy night in—because who doesn’t want to feast on something delicious?
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What is Fancy Spaghetti and Meatballs?
Simply put, fancy spaghetti and meatballs takes the familiar pasta dish we all know and transforms it into something special. It features perfectly seasoned, homemade meatballs made from a blend of beef and sausage, swimming in a rich marinara sauce. When served over al dente spaghetti and topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, it’s hard not to be smitten. This dish celebrates the celebration of flavors, texture, and the joy of sharing great food with good company.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to enhancing the flavor lies in the balance of ingredients. Using a mix of lean ground beef and sweet Italian sausage brings depth to the meatballs—juicy and packed with flavor. The addition of freshly minced garlic and a hint of Parmesan adds a great umami hit. And the marinara sauce? It’s a multi-layered affair, with sautéed onions and garlic providing the aromatic base, while the crushed tomatoes simmer away into the perfect, hearty sauce. When combined, these elements create a robust dish that’s just unforgettable.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make your fancy spaghetti and meatballs shine:
Ingredients for the Meatballs (makes about 22-23 meatballs):
– 3 slices of white bread, crusts removed and torn into pieces
– 2/3 cup cold water
– 1 lb of lean ground beef (7%-15% fat)
– 1 lb of sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 large egg
– About 3/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging meatballs
– 3 Tbsp light olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing
Ingredients for the Sauce:
– 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 56 oz crushed tomatoes (from 2 – 28 oz cans)
– 2 bay leaves (optional)
– Salt & pepper to taste
– 2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped, and more for garnish
Other Ingredients:
– 1 lb spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (to elevate flavor)
How to Make Fancy Spaghetti and Meatballs
The process of creating this delicious dish is simple and straightforward. Get ready to tantalize those taste buds with a few easy steps. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Soak the Bread
Start by combining the torn pieces of bread and cold water in a bowl. Set this aside for about 5 minutes. The goal is to let the bread soak up the water. Once it’s nice and soggy, use a fork to mash it to a pulp. This is your base for the meatballs, adding moisture and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, or if you’re feeling fancy, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add the soaked bread (after mashing), the ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, but try not to overwork it. The more you mix, the denser the meatballs can become, and that’s not what we want.
Step 3: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Using your hands, scoop out the mixture to form meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter—the size of a generous flat ice cream scoop works great. Once shaped, roll them in flour, giving them a light coat. Next, heat the oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the meatballs in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan! Brown them for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally—it’s okay if they aren’t fully cooked through yet. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onion, stirring often until it becomes soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Then, mix in the minced garlic and stir for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Create the Marinara Sauce
Now it’s time to introduce the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves to the pan. Bring this to a light boil—just making sure it’s bubbling nicely.
Step 6: Combine the Meatballs and Sauce
Gently add the browned meatballs back into the pan and partially cover it with a lid. Let everything simmer for about 30 minutes. Occasionally give those meatballs a turn so they soak up all the goodness. As the sauce thickens, it’ll hug those meatballs perfectly. Just before finishing, stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs are doing their thing in the sauce, fill a large pot with water, sprinkle in a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil. Toss in the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta but keep a small amount of pasta water handy—this can help adjust the sauce if you need it. Return the pasta to the pot.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
Pour the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, tossing gently to combine. For a family-style presentation, transfer everything to a larger serving platter. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for that visual appeal. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Tips
– Use fresh herbs: They enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried. Fresh basil or parsley on top makes for a gorgeous presentation, too.
– Don’t skip the rest time for meatballs: Letting them rest before cooking helps them hold shape better.
– Cook in batches: If you crowd the pan, the meatballs won’t brown properly—plus, they could stick together.
– Finish cooking in the sauce: This keeps the meatballs tender and flavorful.
– Use quality pasta: A good quality spaghetti makes a world of difference when it comes to taste and texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze them, portion them into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat thoroughly over medium heat. You can add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while reheating!
Nutrition Information
Per serving, this fancy spaghetti and meatballs contains approximately 550 calories, with a good balance of protein from the meatballs, fiber from the tomato sauce, and carbs from the spaghetti. It’s a filling meal that feels indulgent while still being hearty.
How Would I Recommend Serving Fancy Spaghetti and Meatballs?
1. With a side of garlic bread: Saving some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce is an absolute must.
2. Pair with a fresh salad: A simple arugula or mixed green salad with balsamic dressing allows for a light contrast to the main dish.
3. Wine pairing: A glass of Chianti or Merlot enhances the meal’s flavors and adds a touch of Italian spirit.
4. Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil: A splash of high-quality olive oil before serving elevates flavor and adds richness.
5. Top with fresh mozzarella: Adding slices of fresh mozzarella can give a creamy twist that complements the flavors beautifully.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
1. Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter meatball alternative, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken.
2. Panko Breadcrumbs: In place of traditional white bread, panko adds a delightful crunch—just soak them in water as you would with bread.
3. San Marzano Tomatoes: For a sweeter taste, opt for San Marzano crushed tomatoes instead of regular crushed tomatoes.
4. Gluten-Free Pasta: If you need a gluten-free option, most brands now offer excellent gluten-free spaghetti made from rice or chickpeas.
5. Plant-Based Sausage: For a vegetarian option, swap in plant-based sausage to keep the flavors rich without the meat.
Fancy Spaghetti and Meatballs
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Heavy skillet
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- – 3 slices of white bread crusts removed and torn into pieces
- – 2/3 cup cold water
- – 1 lb of lean ground beef 7%-15% fat
- – 1 lb of sweet Italian sausage casings removed
- – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- – 1 medium-sized onion finely chopped
- – 4 cloves of garlic minced
- – 1 tsp sea salt
- – 1/2 tsp black pepper
- – 1 large egg
- – About 3/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging meatballs
- – 3 Tbsp light olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing
Ingredients for the Sauce:
- – 1 medium yellow onion chopped (about 1 cup)
- – 4 cloves of garlic minced
- – 56 oz crushed tomatoes from 2 – 28 oz cans
- – 2 bay leaves optional
- – Salt & pepper to taste
- – 2 Tbsp fresh basil finely chopped, and more for garnish
Other Ingredients:
- – 1 lb spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- – 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
- – 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning to elevate flavor
Instructions
- The process of creating this delicious dish is simple and straightforward. Get ready to tantalize those taste buds with a few easy steps. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Soak the Bread
- Start by combining the torn pieces of bread and cold water in a bowl. Set this aside for about 5 minutes. The goal is to let the bread soak up the water. Once it’s nice and soggy, use a fork to mash it to a pulp. This is your base for the meatballs, adding moisture and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, or if you’re feeling fancy, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add the soaked bread (after mashing), the ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, but try not to overwork it. The more you mix, the denser the meatballs can become, and that’s not what we want.
Step 3: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
- Using your hands, scoop out the mixture to form meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter—the size of a generous flat ice cream scoop works great. Once shaped, roll them in flour, giving them a light coat. Next, heat the oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the meatballs in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan! Brown them for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally—it’s okay if they aren’t fully cooked through yet. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onion, stirring often until it becomes soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Then, mix in the minced garlic and stir for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Create the Marinara Sauce
- Now it’s time to introduce the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves to the pan. Bring this to a light boil—just making sure it’s bubbling nicely.
- Step 6: Combine the Meatballs and Sauce
- Gently add the browned meatballs back into the pan and partially cover it with a lid. Let everything simmer for about 30 minutes. Occasionally give those meatballs a turn so they soak up all the goodness. As the sauce thickens, it’ll hug those meatballs perfectly. Just before finishing, stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti
- While the meatballs are doing their thing in the sauce, fill a large pot with water, sprinkle in a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil. Toss in the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta but keep a small amount of pasta water handy—this can help adjust the sauce if you need it. Return the pasta to the pot.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
- Pour the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, tossing gently to combine. For a family-style presentation, transfer everything to a larger serving platter. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for that visual appeal. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Assemble the dish before serving for the best taste.
2. What do I do if my meatballs fall apart while cooking?
Ensure the meat mixture is well combined but not overmixed, which can lead to tough meatballs. If they still fall apart, you can add a bit more grated cheese or a touch of breadcrumbs.
3. Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti works great and adds a slightly nuttier flavor and additional fiber.
4. Is it okay to use pre-made marinara sauce?
Sure! If you’re short on time, a quality jarred marinara sauce can be a good substitute for a homemade sauce. Just add fresh herbs to elevate the flavor.
5. What else can I add to the meatballs for extra flavor?
Feel free to experiment with adding herbs like oregano, parsley, or finely chopped veggies like grated zucchini or bell peppers for extra moisture and taste.
Conclusion
There you have it—fancy spaghetti and meatballs that are sure to impress anyone sitting at your dinner table. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and warmth, reminding us of the joy of cooking and sharing meals. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own, perhaps by adding your favorite twists along the way. So don your apron, gather your loved ones, and get cooking!