Kid-Approved Spaghetti & Meatballs with Savory Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti & Meatballs Kid Style

Welcome to a fun and delicious recipe that’s perfect for kids and grown-ups alike! This Spaghetti & Meatballs Kid Style recipe is a family-friendly meal that combines juicy meatballs with rich, flavorful tomato sauce, served over tender spaghetti. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a dish that your little ones will adore, this recipe from Love With Recipes is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and get ready to make a meal that’s as heartwarming as it is tasty!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 bay leaves

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Instructions

Making the Meatballs:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the meatballs don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sprinkle with coarse salt and cracked black pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables become soft and aromatic. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

3. Mix the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, combine the cooled onion mixture, 1 pound of lean ground beef, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Season with an additional pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

4. Form the Meatballs: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, and shape the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. To ensure even browning, shift the pans halfway through the cooking time.

Preparing the Sauce:

1. Cook the Vegetables: While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or medium stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes along with their juice, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and additional salt and pepper. Add 2 bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 1 hour. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich, robust flavor.

4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Gently stir the baked meatballs into the simmering sauce. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. Boil the Pasta: While the sauce and meatballs are finishing up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Drain the pasta well.

2. Serve: Transfer the cooked spaghetti to a serving platter. Spoon the rich tomato sauce and meatballs generously over the pasta. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

3. Enjoy: Serve immediately while everything is hot and delicious. This Spaghetti & Meatballs Kid Style is sure to bring smiles to the table!

Nutrition Information

Each serving of this delightful dish provides approximately 666 calories, with 15.1 grams of fat (4.5 grams of which are saturated), 66.9 milligrams of cholesterol, and 193.3 milligrams of sodium. It also offers 100.5 grams of carbohydrates, 6.6 grams of fiber, 10.3 grams of sugar, and 31.4 grams of protein.

This recipe yields about 24 meatballs, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this Spaghetti & Meatballs Kid Style is a comforting and crowd-pleasing choice.

Enjoy your meal and the smiles that come with it! 🌟🍝👨‍👩‍👧‍👦