Best Easy Spaghetti con le Polpette Recipe

Classic meatballs in tomato sauce served over spaghetti — the ultimate family comfort meal. High in protein and deeply satisfying, this mediterranean favorite is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 510 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • spaghetti 16 oz
  • ground beef (85% lean) 1 lb
  • ground pork 8 oz
  • egg 2 pieces
  • breadcrumbs 1 cup
  • whole milk 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese, grated 0.5 cup
  • onion, finely diced 0.5 cup
  • fresh parsley, chopped 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • garlic, minced 3 cloves
  • crushed red pepper flakes 0.5 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • canned crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • sugar 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 60 g 47%
Protein 27 g 21%
Fat 17 g 32%
Serving size 360g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes until fully moistened for a tender meatball texture.

  2. 2

    Add ground beef, ground pork, eggs, Parmesan cheese, half of the parsley, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and half of the minced garlic to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork.

  3. 3

    Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set on a tray.

  4. 4

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides in batches (about 5 minutes per batch), then set aside. Meatballs do not need to be cooked through yet.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to medium-low, add remaining olive oil and sauté onion for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in remaining garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano, sautéing for 1 minute.

  6. 6

    Pour in crushed tomatoes and sugar. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, scraping fond from the pan.

  7. 7

    Gently return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.

  8. 8

    Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

  9. 9

    Toss cooked spaghetti with a few ladles of the sauce and add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

  10. 10

    Serve pasta topped with meatballs, sauce, remaining parsley, and extra grated Parmesan.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The heart of this recipe lies in the blend of ground beef and ground pork, which create perfectly juicy and flavorful meatballs. The use of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, and fresh parsley also provide signature Italian taste and a tender texture.
Q. How do I prevent overcooked or tough meatballs?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture—just combine until blended. Browning the meatballs briefly in a skillet and then finishing them by simmering in the tomato sauce ensures they stay moist and tender without becoming dry.
Q. What is the best heat control tip for this dish?
Browning meatballs on medium heat develops flavor without burning, while simmering the sauce and meatballs over low heat for 25–30 minutes gently cooks them through and allows flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Q. How many calories and protein are there per serving?
Each serving provides approximately 510 kcal. You'll get 27g of protein (21% of calories) per serving, making this a high-protein dish that's deeply satisfying and suitable for balanced family meals.
Q. Which ingredient gives the sauce its authentic flavor?
Crushed tomatoes simmered with garlic, onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes create a classic Mediterranean tomato sauce. The finishing touch of parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan elevate the sauce with freshness and complexity.
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