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Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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.