I love Spaghetti and meatballs! This recipe is simple to make and it’s a great balanced meal jammed with flavour that everyone will love. I use pork mince as well as beef mince for an extra boost of flavour, but you don’t have to. I freeze the two unused portions of leftover mince in a bag so it’s all ready for next time. The meat, veges and carbs are all there in one in one dish – I sometimes serve it ‘family style’ like this, in one big plate with the sauce already mixed into the pasta – this is how Italians would do it, but sometimes I like piling sauce on top of pasta in a bowl!
Ingredients
300g pork mince
300g beef mince
1 slice wholemeal bread, torn into small pieces and soaked in 2 tbsp milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 smallish onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp chopped parsley, plus extra for serving
1 tbsp finely chopped thyme
1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh oregano
3 tbsp tomato paste
3⁄4 cup beef or chicken stock (I like the fresh one ones in the pouches)
400g can chopped tomatoes
2 tsp sugar
3 handfuls baby spinach leaves
Fresh herbs for serving – I like lots of chopped basil and parsley
Spaghetti
To serve: Freshly grated Parmesan, freshly chopped herbs (parsley, basil)
Method
Put the minces, bread, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, thyme, and 1 tbsp of the tomato paste into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and mix and mash it all up really well using your clean hands. Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls.
Heat a splash of oil over a medium high heat in a large frying pan, and brown the meatballs all over in two batches. Once browned, remove and set aside.
Serve with hot spaghetti cooked al dente, a scattering of fresh chopped herbs, and lots of freshly grated Parmesan. Belissimo!
Hi Chelsea, if I wanted to make this gluten and dairy free. I know for the pasta I would just get the gluten free pasta but with the meat balls the bread that gets soaked in milk what can be used as an alternative to that? I would also just not serve with parmsen. Our family is new to the diet so just a little fresh on what you can use as alternatives. Many thanks Antoinette
Hi there, you can use gluten-free bread or crackers, and whizz up crumbs in the food processor if you like?
Made these last night they were amazing! Adding to the meal rotation for sure! Thanks :)
I’ve tried so many different versions of this classic dish and never found one to settle on that really stood out until I tried yours! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, by far and away the best meatballs I have ever had.
Lovely to hear, thanks Dan!
Hi Chelsea
Can you just use pork mince, or will it taste funny?
Thanks :) Love your recipes.
It won’t have as much flavour with just pork – but you can try!
Awesome recipe. Put the oregano into meatballs by mistake but it tasted delicious regardless. Keep up the great work.
Made this recipe last night, was quick and easy. Even my three year old (who has been known to describe my cooking as tasting like”jam in old shoes”) demolished a huge plate full. Will be buying your cook book next time I see it for sure!
Hi!
I’m wanting to cook these meatballs tonight! I don’t have fresh thyme only dried and I have run out of dried oregano! What can I use instead I have basil or Rosemary (dried) thanks! Also will this work ok with pappardelle pasta?
Hi Chelsea,
My son is allergic to egg. Is there anything that I can substitute it with?
Hi Kristy, you can use 1/2 cup evaporated milk to help it bind together :)
This was so yummy, although my meatballs kept falling apart, any tips? Thanks
Hi Sarah, did you make them quite big? Sometimes if you make them too big then turn them too often they can fall apart. Sorry to hear that!
Yum, my kids love this recipe. Guaranteed clean plates!
Great to hear Nicky!
Hi chelsea, great recipe! I make this with rice noodles for a gluten free meal. I dont see a pinterest icon on your website. Is this something you will be getting so we can save our favorite recipes? Thanks, mel.
Hi Mel, if you hover your mouse over the main image it should give you the option to pin it?
Yum. My 4yr old and 1yr old loved this as did us adults too.
Hi Chelsea, Just made this recipe tonight after coming across it on FB the other day…It was delicious and enjoyed by everyone!! Thank you :)
Hi Chelsea
I have made your meatballs recipe a few times now I rate it #1
Please keep these awesome recipes coming
Regards
Aaron
Thanks Aaron, I sure will! Glad you like ’em! My fave too :)