From the Cook
1/2
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine ground beef and sausage (or turkey).
2
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, onion salt, and dried parsley.
3
Add egg, milk, Parmesan, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined.
4
Form into meatballs and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
5
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides.
6
Remove some excess oil, then add tomato sauce to the pan with the browned meatballs.
7
Simmer uncovered for 10–20 minutes or until meatballs reach an internal temp of 160°F (71°C).
8
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with some of the sauce.
9
Serve pasta topped with meatballs and plenty of grated Parmesan.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Chill Your Meatball Mixture 🧊Refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming meatballs to prevent them from falling apart during browning and ensure a tender, cohesive texture.
- Use a Blend of Meats 🥩Combining ground beef with sausage or turkey adds complexity and richness; the sausage fat keeps meatballs moist while turkey adds lean protein for a balanced flavor profile.
- Brown Before Simmering 🍳Sear meatballs in olive oil until golden on all sides before adding to sauce to develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the overall dish complexity.
- Let Sauce Simmer Gently 🍅Maintain a low simmer (not a rolling boil) for 20-30 minutes so meatballs cook through evenly without toughening, while allowing flavors to meld beautifully with the tomato sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water for Sauce 💧Save a cup of starchy pasta water and stir it into your tomato sauce to create a silky coating that clings perfectly to both pasta and meatballs for a restaurant-quality finish.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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