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Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs

This tried and true Spaghetti and Meatball recipe will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of tomato, basil, and oregano. This just might be the ultimate comfort dish!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Spaghetti and Meatballs
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 287 kcal
Author Yvonne

Ingredients

Spaghetti Sauce

  • 1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 large onion chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 2 1/2 lbs fresh ripe tomatoes peeled, quartered, and hard core removed
  • 1 6 oz. cans tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
  • 3 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 large pinch salt
  • Pepper to taste

Homemade Meatballs

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 c. ricotta
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 1/2 c. bread crumbs
  • 1/4 c. fresh chopped basil
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper

Garnish

  • 1/4 c. fresh grated parmesan
  • 1/4 c. fresh chopped basil

Instructions

Spaghetti Sauce

  1. In a large saute pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot and just starting to smoke, add onions and saute for about 4-6 minutes; stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent. After 5 minutes, add the garlic and continue to cook an additional minute longer to release the garlic oils. 

  2. Wash tomatoes thoroughly. Cut into quarters or even smaller pieces if you are using large tomatoes. Remove the hard center top core. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the spices, stir, and cook for 1-2 hours. Keep lid on for the entire cooking time.

  3. After 1-2 hours, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce. If you do not have a hand blender you can puree small batches in a blender or food processor. Salt or pepper additionally if needed. Be careful to not over salt as this sauce will most likely be used to season already salted food. Simmer uncovered until the desired thickness.

Homemade Meatballs

  1. Preheat oven to 375.  Heat pot over medium-heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. 

  2. Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. Divide ground beef mixture into about 12 uniform meatballs.

  3. Add meatballs and brown on all sides. Cover with spaghetti sauce. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until done and have reached a temperature of 165. Garnish with grated parmesan and basil.

  4. Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 287 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 68mg23%
Sodium 356mg15%
Potassium 781mg22%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 21g42%
Vitamin A 2750IU55%
Vitamin C 35.1mg43%
Calcium 334mg33%
Iron 6.7mg37%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.