My kids often vote for for spaghetti and meatballs - ’the sausagey ones!’. I rarely argue with that - it’s one of those meals where you can pretty much guarantee that everyone will clear their plates. And honestly, it doesn’t seem to matter how many meatballs I make, they ALWAYS seem to ALL get eaten.
What do we need?
Full list of ingredients and quantities in the recipe at the bottom of this post. NOTE: you can swap out the dried pasta for my homemade fresh pasta.
Why do you add breadcrumbs?
The breadcrumbs help to ensure the meatballs are tender and juicy. The breadcrumbs absorb the oil and cooking juices, expanding slightly in the meatballs, meaning they have a softer texture when you bite into them.
How to make it:
Full ingredient quantities and recipe instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post
Mix skinned sausages, beef mince, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, onion, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, egg, salt and pepper together in a bowl, using your hands.Shape into meatballs and place them on a baking tray.Cook in in the oven for 20 minutes.
Fry onions in the olive oil until softened, then add garlic, celery and red pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. Start cooking your spaghetti at this time too.Add red wine and let it bubble for a couple of minutes, then add tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, oregano and salt and pepper.Bring to the boil. Then simmer until the meatballs are ready.Drain the spaghetti and add to sauce with a splash of the cooking water.Add the meatballs and toss everything together.
Divide between plates and top with a sprinkling of parmesan and a little fresh parsley or basil and serve up with some homemade garlic bread.
Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?
You can fry the meatballs in a little oil, then remove them from the pan and start on the sauce. Then add the meatballs back to the pan again when the sauce is simmering. I find this takes a little longer to cook overall, and the meatballs occasionally fall apart a little. My preference is to bake these meatballs so you get a lovely uniform, unbroken shape with a golden exterior.
How many meatballs per person?
I tend to serve:
4 meatballs for the average serving.5 for hungry people and 3 for kids.
See how to make it
More Pasta Recipes:
Pasta Lover? I’ve got a whole Pasta category. Try these reader favourites: This post was first published in January 2014. Updated April 2020 with new photos, tips and video. Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.
