Imagine a dinner that combines the hearty comfort of perfectly seasoned meatballs, the classic appeal of spaghetti, and the convenience of a single-pot cooking method. This One Pot Spaghetti Meatball Stew is not just a meal; it's a culinary game-changer that will transform your weeknight cooking from mundane to magnificent! With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this Italian-inspired dish promises to become your new family favorite, delivering restaurant-quality taste without the complicated cleanup.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter. Ensure they are compact to prevent falling apart during cooking.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. No additional oil is needed as the ground beef will release its own fat.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the hot pan, allowing them to brown on all sides. Cook for 5-6 minutes, gently turning to ensure even browning.
- Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the pan with the browned meatballs. Stir gently to coat the meatballs.
- Add 4 cups of water to the pan, creating a liquid base for cooking the spaghetti and meatballs.
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them directly into the sauce and meatball mixture. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Check pasta for doneness and ensure meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F. The sauce should have thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to further set and absorb.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Meat Mixture Magic: When mixing meatball ingredients, use your hands to ensure even distribution. Cold hands work best for preventing the meat from becoming too warm and losing its texture.
- Meatball Sizing: Keep meatballs uniform in size (about 1-inch diameter) to ensure consistent cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop for precision.
- Browning Technique: Allow meatballs to develop a nice golden-brown crust before turning. This creates a flavorful exterior and helps seal in juices.
- Pasta Placement: Break spaghetti noodles in half to fit easily in the pot and ensure even cooking. Submerge them completely in the liquid for best results.
- Liquid Ratio: The water-to-sauce ratio is crucial. If the mixture seems too dry during cooking, add a little more water to prevent sticking.
- Temperature Check: Always ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Resting Period: Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish from good to extraordinary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
