Beef Loving Texans Spaghetti & Meatballs
Classic spaghetti and juicy baked beef meatballs simmered in a homemade fire-roasted tomato marinara. Comforting, hearty, and ready in about an hour. Serve over spaghetti and finish with grated Parmesan for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Recipe Courtesy Of:
Cook Time: 60 Minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients: 20
Ingredients
Meatballs
Marinara Sauce
Preparation
Meatballs
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Step 1
Heat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and all ingredients, mixing lightly but thoroughly (do not pack). Gently shape mixture into twelve meatballs. Place on a broiler pan. Bake in a 350 oven 25-30 minutes or until done.
Marinara Sauce
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Step 1
Heat oil in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat until hot, saute onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, parsley, salt and red pepper flakes; stir to combine. Lower heat and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Step 2
Remove from heat, allow mixture to cool. Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend to desired consistency.
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Step 3
Combine meatballs and marinara sauce in a large saucepan; heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally. Serve over spaghetti; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
480 Calories
6g SAT FAT
32g PROTEIN
4.6 mg IRON
6 mg ZINC
* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
** Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet
The Essential Ingredients
Ground Sirloin: Ground Sirloin is a lean variety of Ground Beef that offers rich flavor. It creates tender meatballs while providing plenty of protein and works especially well in recipes where a firmer texture is desired.
Panko Bread Crumbs: They are light and flaky. Made with crustless white bread that is processed into flakes and dried.
Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged Italian cheese that is known for its nutty, savory flavor. Traditionally made from cow’s milk.
Diced Tomatoes: Most commonly found in a can, these tomatoes are grown and picked when ripe, then canned in their own juices. They are a convenient pantry staple that can be added to many dishes.
Safe Handling Tips:
- Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat.
- Separate raw meat from other foods.
- Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat.
- Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods.
- Wash all produce prior to use.
- Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips.
For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What's a common mistake when making homemade meatballs?
Overmixing the meat mixture is one of the most common mistakes. Mixing too aggressively or packing the meat too tightly can result in dense, tough meatballs. Gently combining the ingredients and lightly shaping the meatballs helps keep them tender and juicy.
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Why are Panko breadcrumbs used in meatballs?
Panko breadcrumbs help retain moisture and create a lighter texture. Their coarse flakes absorb liquid without making the meatballs heavy, resulting in a tender bite.
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What can you serve with spaghetti and meatballs?
In addition to spaghetti, meatballs and marinara pair well with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, zucchini noodles, or creamy polenta. Leftover meatballs can also be used in meatball subs or served over rice for a different twist.
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I’ve made this recipe many times and it’s a family favorite. I use whatever tomatoes I have on hand and tweak the spices to my liking. It’s a great recipe to make your own and its perfection as is! Delicious!