Meatballs don’t have to be complicated, and you don’t need to spend hours slaving over the texture to get them right. This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is quick, easy, and a brilliant way to get a filling family dinner on the table without much fuss.
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Ingredients
- Quality minced beef, ideally with some fat content – your butcher can help you choose the right mince for this.
- A little water – approx. 15ml per 250g of minced beef.
- A small amount of salt and pepper.
Method
1. Put the minced beef into a large bowl and sprinkle with the water, salt and pepper.
2. Rinse your hands well under water and, while they’re still wet, use your hands to mix everything together. Wet your hands again (it helps to keep a bowl of water nearby) and shape the mixture into balls. We like large, golf-ball-sized meatballs – aim for 2 or 3 per adult and 1 or 2 per child.
3. Preheat your oven to 180°C and place the meatballs into an ovenproof dish.
4. Bake for about 30 minutes, then add the meatballs to your sauce of choice – a good tomato-based pasta sauce works really well here.
5. Serve with pasta of your choice.
Related: Looking for a fun way to follow up dinner? Try this playful Spaghetti & Meatballs Cake for dessert – it’s a great one for kids to help decorate.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it went – let us know in the comments below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best mince to use for meatballs?
Quality minced beef with a bit of fat content works best, as it helps keep the meatballs moist and full of flavour. Your butcher can advise on the right mince for meatballs specifically.
How many meatballs should I make per person?
As a rough guide, plan on 2–3 meatballs per adult and 1–2 per child, depending on appetite and what else you’re serving alongside.
What temperature and how long do I bake the meatballs for?
Bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes, then add the cooked meatballs to your sauce of choice before serving with pasta.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes – a tomato-based pasta sauce can be made in advance and reheated while the meatballs bake, which is a handy way to speed up dinner on a busy evening.
Related Articles
- Kids Cake Ideas: Spaghetti & Meatballs Cake
- More easy family dinner recipes
- Fun food ideas for kids
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