Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe

This Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, which uses a blend of ground beef, turkey, and veal with a rich tomato sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour.

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Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe Ingredients

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)

How To Make Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe

1. Prepare the meatballs:
   In a large bowl, mix together beef, turkey, veal, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano until just combined.
2. Shape and brown the meatballs:
   Roll mixture into 1½-inch balls. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.
3. Make the tomato sauce:
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Simmer meatballs in sauce:
   Gently add browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked through.
5. Cook the spaghetti:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Assemble and serve:
   Toss the spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs or plate the pasta and top with sauce and meatballs. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Recipe Tips

• Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
  Yes, bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes until browned.
• What pasta works best besides spaghetti?
  Try linguine, rigatoni, or bucatini.
• Can I make the meatballs ahead?
  Yes, shape them and refrigerate for up to 1 day, or freeze them raw.
• How do I keep meatballs tender?
  Don’t overmix the meat mixture—combine just until blended.

What To Serve With Spaghetti And Meatballs

Complete the meal with these Italian-inspired sides:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or mixed greens
• Roasted or grilled vegetables
• A glass of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot)
• Tiramisu or gelato for dessert

How To Store Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce (separately or together) for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat gently.

Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Spaghetti And Meatballs Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~630
• Protein: ~36g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Fat: ~30g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Sodium: ~800mg
• Fiber: ~5g
• Sugar: ~9g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on portions and ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of the meat mix?
Yes, but the blend of meats gives extra flavor and tenderness.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.

Can I use store-bought sauce?
You can, but homemade gives the best depth of flavor.

What’s the best way to freeze meatballs?
Freeze them uncooked or fully cooked—just avoid overcrowding to keep them from sticking.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe
• Ina Garten Jeffrey’s Roast Chicken Recipe
• Ina Garten Steak Sandwich Recipe