Easy Meatballs and Spaghetti is a classic Italian-inspired dish that's beloved by families around the world. The flavours are rich and comforting, with succulent meatballs seasoned with herbs, salt, pepper, all simmered in a tomato passata sauce infused with oregano and basil. The textures are equally delightful, with the tender meatballs contrasting beautifully with the al dente pasta. Sneaking in vegetables like carrots and celery adds a nutritious touch without compromising taste. Originating from Italian cuisine, this dish has transcended borders to become a universal family favourite. It's a perfect blend of taste, texture, and tradition, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.
How to prepare Easy Meatballs and Spaghetti
INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
2 onions, divided chopped
500 g mince beef
1/2 tbsp Vegeta .optional
salt. to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
690 g tomato passata
2 cups water
1 tbsp dried oregano, or to taste
1 tbsp dried basil, or to taste
1 tsp sugar
250 g spaghetti, or pasta of your choice
For serving:
grated Parmesan, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the onion: In a big saucepan, heat one tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add one onion and cook for 5 – 6 minutes or until soften. Remove from the heat and set aside to a big mixing bowl to cool.
2. Make the meatballs: To the onion add mince beef, salt, black pepper, Vegeta (optional) and lightly beaten egg. With the clean hands mix everything to combine and form meatballs. Every meatball roll into a flour.
3. Cook the meatballs: In a (same) saucepan, add two tbsp of olive oil, heat the oil over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned on all sides. Set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: To the (same) saucepan add one onion, carrots and celery. Cook for 5 – 7 minutes or until soften. Add tomato passata and water, season with salt, black pepper, sugar, oregano and basil. Add meatballs and partially cover with a lid. Bring to simmer and cook for 1 hour. If you feel the sauce has too much liquid, remove the lid and cook for additional 10 minutes or until desired consistency.
5. Cook pasta: In the meanwhile, cook spaghetti or any pasta of your choice according to package instructions. Serve with meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan (optional).
6. Dobar tek!
How to Serve and Pair:
Serving Suggestions: Serve the meatballs and spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Pairing: For Easy Meatballs and Spaghetti, a dish rich in flavor with a hearty tomato sauce, you have several beverage options that can complement its robust taste:
- Chianti: This Italian red wine is a classic pairing for tomato-based pasta dishes. Its acidity and tannins can stand up well to the rich flavors of the meatballs and sauce.
- Sangiovese: Another great Italian red, Sangiovese offers a nice balance of acidity and fruitiness that pairs well with the herbs and tomato in the dish.
- Barbera: Known for its bright acidity and dark cherry flavor, a Barbera can complement the tomato sauce and handle the richness of the meatballs.
- Merlot: If you prefer a smoother, less tannic wine, Merlot can be a good choice. Its soft tannins and fruity notes can nicely balance the savory meatballs.
- Craft Lager or Pilsner: For beer lovers, a craft lager or pilsner offers a lighter, crisp contrast to the dish without overwhelming its flavors.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty meal.
Dietary Information:
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and pasta.
- For a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Make-Ahead Tips:
The meatballs and sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days, enhancing the flavors.
Cleaning Tips:
To ease cleanup, fill the saucepan with water and let it soak for a while after cooking, making it easier to clean later.
Easy Meatballs and Spaghetti: A Classic Comfort Dish
Easy Meatballs and Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 onions, divided chopped
- 500 g mince beef
- 1/2 tbsp Vegeta optional
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 690 g tomato passata
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp dried oregano or to taste
- 1 tbsp dried basil or to taste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 250 g spaghetti or pasta of your choice
For serving:
- grated Parmesan optional
Instructions
- Prepare the onion: In a big saucepan, heat one tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add one onion and cook for 5 – 6 minutes or until soften. Remove from the heat and set aside to a big mixing bowl to cool.
- Make the meatballs: To the onion add mince beef, salt, black pepper, Vegeta (optional) and lightly beaten egg. With the clean hands mix everything to combine and form meatballs. Every meatball roll into a flour.
- Cook the meatballs: In a (same) saucepan, add two tbsp of olive oil, heat the oil over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned on all sides. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: To the (same) saucepan add one onion, carrots and celery. Cook for 5 – 7 minutes or until soften. Add tomato passata and water, season with salt, black pepper, sugar, oregano and basil. Add meatballs and partially cover with a lid. Bring to simmer and cook for 1 hour. If you feel the sauce has too much liquid, remove the lid and cook for additional 10 minutes or until desired consistency.
- Cook pasta: In the meanwhile, cook spaghetti or any pasta of your choice according to package instructions. Serve with meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan (optional).
- Dobar tek!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.