A Guide to Crafting Meatball-Infused Spaghetti Bolognese at Home

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has become a beloved staple in many households around the world. This hearty, comforting meal consists of spaghetti served with a rich and savory Bolognese sauce, often enhanced by the addition of juicy meatballs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious Spaghetti Bolognese with meatballs from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Bolognese sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) - 100ml red wine (optional) - 400g canned chopped tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste

For the meatballs - 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) - Salt and pepper to taste

For serving - 400g spaghetti - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should get about 20 meatballs.

2. Cook the Meatballs Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Bolognese Sauce In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This mixture is called a soffritto and forms the flavor base of the sauce.

4. Add the Meat and Wine Increase the heat to medium-high and add the browned ground meat to the skillet. Cook until it's no longer pink. If using red wine, pour it in now, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine has reduced slightly.

5. Combine with Tomatoes Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the meatballs back into the sauce to heat through and absorb some of the flavors.

6. Cook the Spaghetti While the Bolognese sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water.

7. Serve To serve, twirl the spaghetti onto plates and ladle the Bolognese sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, add a drizzle of olive oil.

Conclusion

Making Spaghetti Bolognese with meatballs is a rewarding culinary experience that will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. By following the steps outlined above, you will create a flavorful meal that showcases the heart of Italian cooking. Enjoy every bite!