Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
If you love classic Italian comfort food, this Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is perfect. It is rich, hearty and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
Preheat Oven (Optional)
- If baking meatballs, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet lightly.
Mix Meatball Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Shape Meatballs
- Use your hands to roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
Brown Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, 5–7 minutes.
Prepare Tomato Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
- Add browned meatballs to sauce. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Boil Spaghetti
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
- Place cooked spaghetti in large serving bowl. Pour sauce and meatballs on top. Toss gently.
Garnish Dish
- Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Enjoy Meal
- Serve family-style or on individual plates. Pair with garlic bread or salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
- Do not overmix meat; meatballs stay tender.
- Brown meatballs before simmering to keep them firm.
- Simmer sauce slowly to enhance flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better taste.