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Easy Cheesy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Kids Will Love Tonight

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A quick and kid-approved cheesy spaghetti and meatballs recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • ½ cup (about 50g) breadcrumbs, plain or Italian seasoned
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti pasta, regular or whole wheat
  • 3 cups (720ml) marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1¼-inch (3 cm) meatballs, about 18-20 pieces, keeping them uniform in size.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet. Add browned meatballs back in, stir gently to coat, cover, and simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  6. Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with sauce and meatballs to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly and golden, watching closely.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs before simmering to lock in juices. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Broil cheese carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, cheesy, kid-friendly, quick dinner, easy recipe, family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-cheesy-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe-kids-will-love-tonight/