Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti

Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti Recipe - Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting dish that combines juicy meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, served over a bed of spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special weekend meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic Italian dish of spaghetti and meatballs. The addition of mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and indulgent element to the dish, making it even more satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper (optional)
1 egg, beaten
5 oz (142 g) mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can tomatoes, chopped
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or preferred pasta)

How to prepare

Put the beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, half of the parsley, salt, and pepper into a bowl.
Add the egg and mix well.
Cut the mozzarella cheese into 16 small cubes.
Take a heaped teaspoonful of beef mixture and form it into a ball around each cube of cheese.
Heat the oil in a large covered pan, add the meatballs to the pan, cover, and cook until brown on all sides.
Add the onion to the pan, cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the tomatoes and juice.
Bring up to a simmering point, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
Uncover the pan and cook for a further 10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
While the meatballs are cooking, cook the spaghetti in boiling water until done to your preference.
Drain well and divide among 4 warmed plates.
Divide the sauce among the plates of spaghetti and then sprinkle with the remaining parsley.

Variations

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as cheddar or gouda.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the meatball mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

- Be gentle when forming the meatballs around the cheese cubes to prevent them from falling apart.

- Cooking the meatballs covered helps them cook through evenly and retain their moisture.

- Letting the sauce simmer for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Cooking the spaghetti al dente ensures that it retains a slightly firm texture and doesn't become mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the tomato sauce from scratch.

- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them before serving and cook the spaghetti fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti in a large serving dish, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the meatballs and sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (breadcrumbs).

Summary

Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Mozzarella Meat Balls And Spaghetti is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines juicy meatballs filled with mozzarella cheese, served over spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special weekend meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Mozzarella Meatballs and Spaghetti. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a worn and splattered recipe for these delicious Italian meatballs.

I had always loved cooking, and my passion for trying new recipes had only grown stronger over the years. I knew that I had to give this one a try. The combination of savory meatballs, gooey mozzarella cheese, and rich tomato sauce sounded like the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

I gathered the ingredients I needed and got to work in the kitchen. The scent of garlic and herbs filled the air as I mixed together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings to form the meatballs. I carefully stuffed each one with a cube of fresh mozzarella cheese, making sure that it was completely hidden inside.

While the meatballs baked in the oven, I prepared a pot of spaghetti and warmed up a pot of homemade marinara sauce. The anticipation of tasting the finished dish was almost too much to bear.

Finally, the timer dinged, and I carefully removed the meatballs from the oven. They were perfectly golden brown and smelled absolutely divine. I plated up a generous portion of spaghetti, topped it with a few meatballs, and spooned the sauce over everything.

As I took my first bite, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe. The flavors were rich and comforting, the meatballs were tender and juicy, and the melted mozzarella cheese added a delicious gooey texture. I couldn't believe how simple it was to make something so delicious.

I shared the dish with my family that evening, and their reactions were just as enthusiastic as mine. My husband declared it the best meatball dish he had ever tasted, and my children gobbled up every last bite on their plates.

From that day on, Mozzarella Meatballs and Spaghetti became a regular feature on our family dinner menu. I made it for special occasions, weeknight dinners, and even potlucks with friends. It was always a hit, and I loved seeing the smiles on everyone's faces as they enjoyed my cooking.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in extra herbs and spices to enhance the flavors even more. I have also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about how delicious it is.

I have always been grateful for the joy that cooking brings me. It is a way for me to express my creativity, share love with my family, and connect with my heritage through traditional recipes like Mozzarella Meatballs and Spaghetti. I will always cherish the memory of discovering this recipe and the many happy meals that it has brought to my table.