Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Ina Garten’s Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic comfort dish made with tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This hearty and satisfying recipe is easy to follow and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What is Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs?

This dish features juicy meatballs made with a blend of ground meats, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and herbs, simmered in a homemade tomato sauce. Served over al dente spaghetti, this recipe combines simple ingredients for a rich, classic Italian-American meal.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Rich and flavorful: A combination of herbs, Parmesan, and tomatoes makes this dish irresistibly delicious.
• Perfect for gatherings: A family-friendly recipe that’s great for serving a crowd.
• Easy to make: Straightforward steps and common ingredients make it accessible for home cooks.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasonings or add your favorite pasta.
• Classic comfort food: A timeless dish that never goes out of style.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 pound ground veal
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• Fresh basil and grated Parmesan (for garnish)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

• Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, turkey, and veal with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
• Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
• Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

• Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
• Add the meatballs: Gently place the browned meatballs into the sauce, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

• Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the spaghetti: Drain the pasta and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

• Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato sauce or serve the sauce and meatballs over the pasta.
• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Pair with garlic bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Serve with a green salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad complements the dish.
• Add a glass of red wine: A bold red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully.
• Include roasted vegetables: Roasted zucchini or eggplant makes a great side.
• Finish with dessert: End the meal with tiramisu or cannoli for an Italian-inspired dinner.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs tender.
• Simmer the meatballs gently: Cooking the meatballs in the sauce ensures they stay moist and flavorful.
• Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm spaghetti holds up better to the sauce.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the sauce before serving and add more salt or herbs if needed.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a gluten-free meal.
• Stuffed meatballs: Add a cube of mozzarella to the center of each meatball for a cheesy surprise.
• Serve with zucchini noodles: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in separate containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Reheat on the stove: Warm the meatballs and sauce in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
• Use the microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Avoid overcooking the pasta: If storing leftover pasta, reheat it separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

What’s the best way to prevent meatballs from falling apart?

To keep meatballs from falling apart, ensure the mixture is well combined but not overmixed. Fresh breadcrumbs and an egg help bind the ingredients together.

Can I freeze spaghetti and meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze spaghetti and meatballs. Store the meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Cooked spaghetti can be frozen separately, but it’s best to freeze it slightly undercooked to maintain texture.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce can be used to save time. Choose a high-quality sauce and enhance it with fresh garlic, herbs, or crushed red pepper for added flavor.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. With tender meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Give it a try for your next dinner and enjoy the comforting taste of this timeless meal!

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread
• Ina Garten Salmon Tartare
• Ina Garten Hamantaschen
• Barefoot Contessa Onion Rings
• Ina Garten Cherry Clafoutis

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