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Classic Comforting Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe with Melty Mozzarella Perfect for Easy Dinners

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A quick and easy classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe topped with melty mozzarella cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 mix recommended for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk (or dairy-free milk if needed)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
  • 8 oz (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently but thoroughly by hand.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 18 to 20 pieces. Place on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
  6. Return meatballs to the skillet, nestle into sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over meatballs and sauce. Cover skillet and let cheese melt for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, transfer to a baking dish and broil 2-3 minutes for a golden finish.
  9. Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs, sauce, and melted mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella for best melting results. Avoid overmixing meat to keep meatballs tender. Wet hands slightly when shaping meatballs to prevent sticking. If sauce is too thick, add pasta cooking water to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs and pasta accordingly. Meatballs can be baked instead of pan-fried. Freeze meatballs and sauce separately from pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, mozzarella, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, Italian recipe

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