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Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs

Rich meat sauce with tender meatballs over al dente spaghetti, a beloved Italian-American comfort classic.

65 minEasyServes 4520 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerStovetopStandard

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz ground beef
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a bowl, combine 12 oz ground beef, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Mix gently and form into 12 balls.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden. Remove and set aside.

  3. 3

    In the same pot, cook 1 medium diced onion and 4 cloves minced garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

  5. 5

    Add 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can), 1 tsp Italian seasoning, remaining salt, and pepper. Return meatballs to pot.

  6. 6

    Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.

  7. 7

    Meanwhile, cook 1 lb spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain.

  8. 8

    Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil.

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Questions

What should Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 6: cook until sauce thickens.

What can I use instead of panko in Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs?

The entry for Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs calls for 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. In its place: Coarse dry breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers all work. Fine breadcrumbs coat more densely, so use a little less.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs uses 12 oz ground beef.

Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs is 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 lb spaghetti. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko; the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs contain eggs?

Yes: 1 egg. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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