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
Scale
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.