This spaghetti and meatballs recipe, inspired by the queen of home cooking, Pioneer Woman, is set to become a regular dish in your kitchen. It’s incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make, proving once again why Pioneer Woman’s recipes are so beloved. Originally found in one of her charming “Charlie” children’s books, this recipe deserves a spotlight for its deliciousness and ease. Get ready to enjoy moist, tender meatballs and a rich, savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Served with a side of classic Caesar salad and warm garlic bread, this Pioneer Woman Spaghetti And Meatballs dish is the perfect comforting family dinner.
Pioneer Woman Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe
Meatball Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs (from 2 slices thick bread, processed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- Splash of milk
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 8 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Instructions
Getting Started with the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and chopped Italian parsley. Add a splash of milk to help bind the mixture.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs being mixed in a bowl
Mix all the meatball ingredients together thoroughly with your hands until just combined – be careful not to overmix. Roll the mixture into 1 ½ inch meatballs.
Place the meatballs onto 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.
Making the Delicious Tomato Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, start preparing the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the can of whole peeled tomatoes and the can of crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, sugar, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together well to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend some of the larger tomato chunks directly in the pot.
Combining Meatballs and Sauce & Serving
Gently add the baked meatballs to the tomato sauce. Stir lightly to coat the meatballs evenly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring gently a few times during this time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs simmering in a pot
Just before serving, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil. Serve the Pioneer Woman spaghetti and meatballs hot over cooked spaghetti. Garnish each serving generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!
