Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs

Name: Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
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

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

65 minEasyServes 4520 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerStovetopStandard

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

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

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

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

Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5

Add 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can), 1 tsp Italian seasoning, remaining salt, and pepper. Return meatballs to pot.
6

Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
7

Meanwhile, cook 1 lb spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain.
8

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

Questions

Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry 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.

How long does Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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