Name: Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner: 5 Steps to Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 10 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup water; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 pound spaghetti; Olive oil, for cooking; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish (optional); Extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving (optional)

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Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner is a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. This easy and delicious recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The combination of pasta with creamy meatballs creates a satisfying meal that is perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. Let’s dive into this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner

This dish is not just another pasta recipe; it’s a soul-soothing experience. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Simple to prepare, making it a great option for busy nights.
Perfect for family-friendly meals that everyone will enjoy.
Comfort food at its best, offering creamy goodness in every bite.
Versatile; you can use beef, turkey, or even plant-based meatballs.
Healthy options available, such as using whole grain pasta.
Pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or garlic bread.

With its Italian roots and gluten-free options, this recipe is truly a winner in any household.

Ingredients for Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner

Gather these items:

1 large egg
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup water
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 pound spaghetti
Olive oil, for cooking
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving (optional)

How to Make Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 5 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Pour in 1/4 cup of water. Mix gently until just combined. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
Step 2: Brown the meatballs: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches on all sides until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and the remaining 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Simmer the sauce: Pour in 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Step 5: Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 6: Finish the sauce and assemble: Reduce heat under the sauce to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir until incorporated and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and meatballs and toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano, if desired.

Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner: 5 Steps to Delight - Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
Opt for high-quality meat for juicier meatballs.
For a healthier twist, try ground turkey or chicken.
Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner

Per 1 serving:

Calories: 650
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 900mg
Cholesterol: 120mg

Nutritional values are estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner

What is creamy spaghetti with meatballs?

This dish combines spaghetti and meatballs in a creamy tomato sauce, creating a comforting pasta with creamy meatballs that is beloved by many.

Can I make creamy spaghetti meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat them gently before serving with freshly cooked spaghetti.

How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy spaghetti meatballs?

To avoid dry meatballs, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Also, make sure to simmer the sauce long enough to enhance its flavor.

Variations of Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

Use turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Make a creamy meatball pasta bake by layering it with cheese and baking it in the oven.
For a twist, try a marinara sauce instead of creamy sauce for a different flavor.

Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner: 5 Steps to Delight - Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out this homemade tomato sauce recipe that pairs perfectly with pasta. You can also explore spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick side dish. If you’re interested in more variations, consider spaghetti with mushroom sauce for a different flavor profile.

Creamy Spaghetti Meatballs Dinner: 5 Steps to Delight

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An easy and delicious recipe for creamy spaghetti and meatballs, featuring tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.

Author: Andrew
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

1 large egg
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup water
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 pound spaghetti
Olive oil, for cooking
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 5 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Pour in 1/4 cup of water. Mix gently until just combined. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
Brown the meatballs: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches on all sides until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Build the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and the remaining 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Simmer the sauce: Pour in the 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
Finish the sauce and assemble: Reduce heat under the sauce to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir until incorporated and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and meatballs and toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano, if desired.