How to Make the Perfect Spaghetti and Meatballs
Are you looking to impress your family and friends with a classic Italian dish? Look no further! Spaghetti and meatballs are a timeless favorite, and with the right recipe, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making the perfect spaghetti and meatballs, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques.
Ingredients
To start, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 pound of ground pork
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 pound of spaghetti
– 1 jar of marinara sauce
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Preparation
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs. You can use a spoon or your hands to form the meatballs. Place them on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking the Spaghetti
1. While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Plating and Serving
1. Divide the cooked spaghetti onto individual plates.
2. Top each plate with a generous amount of meatballs and sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Now that you have the perfect recipe for spaghetti and meatballs, you can enjoy this delicious dish any time you want. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a homemade meal, this classic Italian dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Buon appetito!