Spaghetti and meatballs is a dish that resonates with almost everyone, evoking feelings of warmth, family dinners, and pure comfort food satisfaction. And when it comes to reliable, delicious recipes, the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is a trusted name. This Pioneer Woman Meatballs And Spaghetti recipe takes the classic dish to another level, ensuring moist, flavorful meatballs and a rich, delectable sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. If you’re on the hunt for a spaghetti and meatballs recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen, look no further – this one, inspired by a beloved children’s book and perfected for the home cook, is it.
Pioneer Woman Meatballs and Spaghetti Ingredients
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Meatballs and Spaghetti
To create this comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients, easily found in your local grocery store:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for a robust flavor
- 1 cup bread crumbs (fresh bread processed works best for moist meatballs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty, nutty depth
- 2 large eggs, to bind the meatballs perfectly
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, enhancing all the flavors
- Black pepper, to taste – freshly ground is recommended
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, for freshness and a hint of herbaceousness
- A splash of milk, contributing to the meatball’s tenderness
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing and building flavor from the base
- 1 medium onion, diced finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can of whole peeled tomatoes, providing a bright, fresh tomato base
- 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes, for a richer, thicker sauce texture
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, the secret to that classic Italian-American taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
- 8 whole basil leaves, finely chopped just before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Meatballs and Spaghetti
Making this Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful meal to your table:
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and a splash of milk. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape and Bake the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with foil and sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Baking the meatballs ensures they are cooked through and slightly browned without the need for frying.
- Start the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the whole tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. Add salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, sugar, and parsley. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend some of the larger tomato pieces – this step is optional but enhances the sauce’s texture.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Gently add the baked meatballs to the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for another 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the meatballs to soak up the delicious sauce flavors, and the sauce to deepen in richness. Stir gently a few times during this simmering process.
- Finishing Touches: Just before serving, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil. The fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic note that elevates the entire dish.
Pioneer Woman Meatballs and Spaghetti Serving Suggestion
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs
Serve these delectable Pioneer Woman Meatballs and Spaghetti over cooked spaghetti. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for that classic finish. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing it with a fresh Caesar salad and warm garlic bread. This combination creates a balanced and comforting dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week or a special family gathering. Enjoy the taste of homemade goodness with this Pioneer Woman inspired recipe!
