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These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

May 13, 2025

16 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food straight from a nostalgic family kitchen. A perfect blend of ground beef and sausage or turkey is seasoned generously, then combined with eggs, milk, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs for ultra-tender meatballs. Pan-fried until browned and simmered in tomato sauce, these meatballs soak up flavor while staying juicy inside. Served over perfectly cooked spaghetti and finished with loads of Parmesan, it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs
Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs
Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs
Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4

Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs

By
These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

Ingredients

plates
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
|
In a large bowl, combine ground beef and sausage (or turkey). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, onion salt, and parsley.
2
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Add beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs to the meat. Mix until well combined.
3
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Form mixture into evenly sized meatballs and refrigerate for 1 hour to help them hold shape.
4
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding.
5
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Cook meatballs until browned on each side, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove excess oil if needed.
6
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Pour in tomato sauce and stir gently to coat meatballs. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and reach 160°F internally.
7
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Toss cooked spaghetti with some of the tomato sauce.
8
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Serve pasta topped with meatballs and plenty of extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
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My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Moisture Magic 💦
    Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5-10 minutes before mixing with meat to create incredibly tender, juicy meatballs that won't become dense or tough.
  • Meat Mixing Mastery 🥣
    Use a light touch when combining meat ingredients - overmixing can lead to tough, compact meatballs. Mix just until ingredients are barely incorporated.
  • Flavor Layering Technique 🧄
    Toast your dried herbs like parsley and garlic powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the meat mixture to intensify their aromatic qualities.
  • Perfect Browning Hack 🍳
    Use a combination of olive oil and butter when pan-frying meatballs to achieve a golden-brown crust with rich, complex flavor development.
  • Sauce Simmering Secret 🥄
    Allow meatballs to slowly simmer in tomato sauce for at least 20-25 minutes to help them absorb flavor and become exceptionally tender.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

These Carbs Don't Count

Verified

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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