Today, I will make Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs, a classic and comforting dish that combines tender meatballs with rich, flavorful tomato sauce served over a bed of spaghetti. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty meal is sure to become a favorite.
What are Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs?
Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs is a traditional Italian-American dish featuring juicy, flavorful meatballs cooked in a savory tomato sauce and served over spaghetti. The meatballs are typically made with a mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce.
Other Popular Recipes
- Pioneer Woman Breakfast Monkey Bread
- Pioneer Woman Blackberry Peach Cobbler
- Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: Brings a taste of home with every bite.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead: Meatballs and sauce can be prepared in advance.
- Versatile: Can be served with different pasta or even on a sub.
- Freezable: Easy to freeze for a quick meal later.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground beef pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs:
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce:
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Stir in the chopped basil just before serving.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 4: Serve:
- Plate the Dish: Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: A healthy and tasty side option.
- Antipasto Platter: Complements the Italian flavors with cured meats and cheeses.
- Red Wine: Pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs and sauce.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality tomatoes make a big difference.
- Do Not Overmix Meatball Mixture: This keeps the meatballs tender and not too dense.
- Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and meatballs and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Use a Mix of Meats: Combining beef and pork adds more depth of flavor.
- Rest the Meatballs: Letting them sit before baking helps them hold their shape.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based meat alternatives or lentil meatballs.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Cheesy: Stuff the meatballs with a small cube of mozzarella cheese.
- Herb-Infused: Add more fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
Storing Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs: Best Practices
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- Label: Clearly label the containers with the date and contents.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs: Best Practices
- Oven Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Stovetop: Simmer on low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 28g
FAQs
How do you make the meatballs moist and tender?
To make meatballs moist and tender, use a mix of ground beef and pork, add breadcrumbs soaked in milk, and include an egg to bind the ingredients together. Mixing gently and not overworking the meat also helps maintain a tender texture.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in meatballs?
Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even cooked quinoa. These alternatives help bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
How do you prevent meatballs from falling apart?
To prevent meatballs from falling apart, ensure the mixture includes a binder like eggs and breadcrumbs. Also, make sure to mix the ingredients until they are combined, and form the meatballs with slightly wet hands to help them hold their shape.
How can I thicken the spaghetti sauce?
To thicken spaghetti sauce, simmer it uncovered to reduce the liquid, add a small amount of tomato paste, or mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water. These methods help achieve a thicker, richer sauce.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs is a timeless, hearty dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious recipe and share the love with your loved ones!
Other Yummy Recipes:
Print
Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs is a traditional Italian-American dish featuring juicy, flavorful meatballs cooked in a savory tomato sauce and served over spaghetti. The meatballs are typically made with ground beef and beef pork, seasoned with herbs and spices, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Stir in the chopped basil just before serving.
Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Serve:
- Plate the Dish: Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
