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Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs. photo

Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Classic baked meatballs served with marinara and pasta for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground sirloin
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for mixing (and optionally for greasing dish)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
  • whole wheat pasta or spaghetti squash for serving

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Oven mitts
  • Serving pot for pasta

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little of the olive oil.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sirloin, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of kosher salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the egg. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork.
  3. Coat your hands with a little olive oil and roll the mixture into 2-tablespoon meatballs (about 10–12). Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, until browned on the outside but still slightly undercooked inside.
  5. Remove the dish from the oven, spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then return to the oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
  6. Alternatively, to make one large "giant" meatball, form the mixture into an oval, place in the prepared dish, bake 35–45 minutes until cooked through, and add the mozzarella in the last 10 minutes of baking.
  7. Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked whole wheat pasta or roasted spaghetti squash.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil can be used for mixing and for greasing the dish.
  • Bake until internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef meatballs.