Lavish Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe: Indulgent Homemade Magic

Comfort wrapped in classic spaghetti and hearty meatballs creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich Italian culinary traditions inspire this soul-warming dish bursting with aromatic herbs and tender meat.

Each carefully crafted meatball nestles perfectly atop strands of perfectly cooked pasta, promising a delectable experience.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this timeless recipe, blending simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The blend of ground beef, fresh herbs, and robust tomato sauce transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Parmesan cheese adds a delightful, salty finish that elevates every single bite.

Prepare to savor every mouthwatering moment of this classic Italian-American masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Creates rich, hearty protein core with robust flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and provides tender meatball texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps meatballs hold shape.
• Egg: Serves as natural binding agent for cohesive mixture.
• Garlic: Enhances overall taste with aromatic punch.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbal notes.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, bright undertone to meat mixture.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances overall seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and complexity.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Builds foundational tangy, robust sauce base.
• Basil: Delivers fresh, aromatic Mediterranean essence.
• Oregano: Contributes earthy, slightly peppery undertone.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle, warming heat.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor complexity.

• Olive Oil: Enables smooth sautéing and prevents sticking.
• Onion: Develops sweet, caramelized flavor foundation.
• Spaghetti: Classic pasta delivering perfect sauce-carrying structure.

Tools That Help with Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Large skillet: Essential for browning meatballs and creating the sauce.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• Large pot: Needed for boiling spaghetti to al dente perfection.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Helpful for chopping garlic and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Ideal for precise ingredient preparation.

Cooking Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs with Ease

• Craft Meatball Magic

Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and seasonings. Roll into perfect round bites that’ll make mouths water.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a skillet and gently cook meatballs until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Move them to a waiting plate.

• Sauce Sensation

In the same pan, soften onions and awaken garlic. Pour in crushed tomatoes and aromatic herbs, letting everything bubble and meld together.

• Cream and Dream

Swirl heavy cream and Parmesan into the sauce, transforming it into a silky, luxurious coating. Slide meatballs back into the pan.

• Pasta Party

Boil spaghetti until tender, then toss it directly into the rich sauce. Gently dance the noodles and meatballs together, ensuring every strand gets dressed in flavor.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh basil and extra Parmesan on top. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot and irresistibly delicious.

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs: Tips & Add-Ins

• Meatball Mastery: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor and juiciness.
• Texture Tip: Don't overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and light.
• Sauce Rescue: If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a healthier alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and use gluten-free pasta.

Ways to Serve Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Rustic Italian Dinner Night: Set the table with a red-checkered tablecloth, light some candles, and create a cozy family-style dining experience that transports everyone to a charming Italian trattoria.
• Fresh Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia on the side to soak up the delicious, creamy tomato sauce and add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.
• Wine and Dine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich flavors of the meatballs and creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Colorful Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy dish.

Store Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Like a Pro

• Fridge-Fresh Storage: Keep leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container for 35 days. The creamy sauce might separate slightly, but a quick stir will restore its delicious texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store separately in sealed containers, which helps maintain the best flavor and prevents soggy pasta when reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before gently reheating on stovetop with a splash of water to restore sauce consistency.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm refrigerated or thawed pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of water or extra cream to prevent drying out. Stir gently until heated through, ensuring meatballs and sauce stay moist and flavorful.

Luxurious Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spaghetti & meatballs offer a comforting Italian-American classic that brings families together around the dinner table. Rich marinara sauce and hearty beef meatballs make this dish something you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or beef & pork mix)
• ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup (30 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
• 1 (14-oz / 400 g) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)

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Instructions

1. Meatball Preparation: Thoroughly mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley until uniformly blended. Shape into compact, one-inch spheres.
2. Meatball Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully brown meatballs on all sides, rotating periodically until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Pasta Cooking: Bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.
5. Tomato Sauce Development: Pour crushed tomatoes, incorporating basil, oregano, seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Cream Integration: Whisk heavy cream and Parmesan into the sauce, creating a luxurious, silky texture. Return meatballs to the skillet, coating thoroughly and heating completely.
7. Final Composition: Reduce sauce to desired thickness, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Gently fold spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring even distribution of meatballs and pasta.
8. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, presenting a sumptuous Italian-inspired culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Meat Mixture Mastery: Gently mix ingredients to prevent dense, tough meatballs; overmixing can lead to rubbery texture.
• Searing Secrets: Use high-quality cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for even browning and maximum flavor development in meatballs.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved starchy pasta water acts as natural sauce thickener and helps bind ingredients, creating smoother, more cohesive dish.
• Dietary Flexibility: Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter version; use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg