Description
A tender Italian-American classic with golden-brown meatballs in tangy marinara sauce. No pork or alcohol, this easy dish uses 15 ingredients and delivers satisfying, juicy results for 4 hearty servings.
Ingredients
Ground beef, 1 pound (80/20 blend recommended)
Italian breadcrumbs, 1 cup
Large egg, 1
Crushed tomatoes, 28 oz can
Garlic cloves, 4
Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup grated
Tomato paste, 2 tablespoons
Fresh basil, 2 tablespoons chopped
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
Salt, 1 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon
Oregano, 1 tablespoon
Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
Spaghetti, 12 oz
Nutritional yeast (optional, for dairy-free version)
Garlic bread (for serving)
Instructions
Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl
Gently mix until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat
Chill meatball mixture for 10 minutes
Boil 6 cups salted water, add spaghetti, and cook 8-10 minutes
In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute
Add crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp basil, oregano, and salt; bring to boil
Simmer sauce 20-30 minutes, blending for smooth texture if desired
Form chilled meat mixture into 2-inch balls (14 total)
Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or sear in olive oil over medium heat
Combine cooked spaghetti, meatballs, and sauce in large pot
Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan
Serve with garlic bread on the side
Notes
For gluten-free option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and certified gluten-free spaghetti
Meatballs tested 1-3 inches; 2 inches retained best juiciness and structural integrity
Fresh garlic recommended over powder for optimal flavor
Simmer sauce at least 20 minutes to develop full depth
Room-temperature egg improves binding in meatball mixture
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop/Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of total)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg