Fluffy Parmesan and Oregano Spaghetti and Meatballs, a classic dish that brings joy to family dinners and gatherings. This recipe combines tender meatballs infused with aromatic herbs, served over a bed of fluffy spaghetti, all topped with rich marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious, mouth-watering recipes!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (plus more for serving)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 32 oz jar marinara sauce (such as Rao’s)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Grocery List
- Ground beef (1 lb)
- Ground pork (1 lb)
- Eggs (1 large)
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (¾ cup)
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (½ cup + more for serving)
- Garlic (3 cloves)
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup)
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (¾ teaspoon)
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Water (¼ cup)
- Spaghetti (1 lb)
- Marinara sauce (32 oz jar)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and water; whisk until well mixed.
- Add the ground beef and pork along with the breadcrumbs and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- Combine with Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer.
- Gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Serve:
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce and meatballs until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 544 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Useful Tips and Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
- Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti; it should be al dente for the best texture.
Enjoy this delightful dish that will surely become a family favorite! Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes that will tantalize your taste buds!
