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Spaghetti and Meatballs

Juicy meatballs combined with a flavorful tomato sauce and served over spaghetti, topped with melted cheese—this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners. It's a comforting, savory meal that’s easy to make, and the leftovers are even better!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course, pastas
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

  • 15 crackers finely crushed
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 1 kg beef mince
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 sprig rosemary chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp Aromat
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 2-3 onions processed into a fine paste
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 green chili chopped (optional)
  • 3 tbsp tomato puree
  • 3 tomatoes processed finely
  • 1 tsp Aromat
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 3 tbsp chili sauce your choice
  • A few basil leaves
  • 1 cup reserved spaghetti water

For the Pasta:

  • 500 g spaghetti
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup grated cheese mozzarella or cheddar

Instructions
 

  • Make the Meatballs
  • In a large bowl, mix the finely crushed crackers, mustard, beef mince, all the spices, herbs, rosemary, and eggs. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the meatballs until golden brown. Set aside.

Make the Sauce

  • Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the processed onions and garlic and cook until golden.
  • Stir in the tomato puree and processed tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the spices, chili sauce, basil leaves, and green chili (if using). Cook until the oil separates from the sauce.
  • Pour in 1 cup of reserved spaghetti water and cook until it bubbles. Turn off the heat.
  • Gently add the fried meatballs to the sauce and stir carefully, ensuring the meatballs stay intact.

Cook the Spaghetti

  • In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add salt and vegetable oil, then add the spaghetti.
  • Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.

Assemble the dish

  • In a greased glass baking dish (Pyrex), layer the cooked spaghetti at the bottom.
  • Pour the meatballs and sauce mixture over the spaghetti and spread evenly.
  • Top with grated cheese.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Bake the dish for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown.
  • Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

Notes:

  • Cheese: Use mozzarella for a stretchy, cheesy topping or cheddar for a sharper flavor.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and chili sauce to suit your preferred level of heat.
  • Extra Creaminess: Add a splash of cream to the sauce before combining with the meatballs for an extra creamy texture.
Keyword beginner, dinners, easy dinners, meatballs, pastas