Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe - Cook Like 'The Godfather' | Cinematic Cuisine Ep 7

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor, while a cheese blend can be more budget-friendly.

Gather all ingredients for the meatballs and sauce.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground veal or chicken.

Add breadcrumbs, eggs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the meat mixture.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Use your hands to mix everything together gently, being careful not to overmix.

Form the mixture into small round meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.

Brown the meatballs on all sides in the skillet to lock in juices and add flavor.

In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add chopped onions, cooking until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in crushed tomatoes, add dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.

Once the meatballs are browned, carefully transfer them to the pot of tomato sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Cover the pot and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water.

Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Drain the spaghetti thoroughly in a colander.

Add the drained spaghetti to the pot with the meatballs and sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly.

Use a large serving spoon to plate the spaghetti and meatballs, ensuring a hearty serving for each plate.

Spoon extra sauce over the top of the spaghetti and meatballs.

Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens