Mama’s Best Ever Spaghetti and Mozzarella Meatballs: A Recipe for Comfort

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. It’s a classic dish that evokes feelings of warmth, family, and home. And while there are countless variations out there, Mama’s recipe for Spaghetti and Mozzarella Meatballs stands head and shoulders above the rest. These aren’t your average meatballs; they’re juicy, flavorful, and stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese that melts in your mouth with every bite. Paired with a rich, homemade marinara sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s a story passed down through generations, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Mama always said the secret ingredient was love, and while that might sound cheesy, it’s true. Taking the time to prepare each component with care and attention makes all the difference.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Mozzarella Stuffed:** The mozzarella filling elevates these meatballs from ordinary to extraordinary. The melted cheese adds a creamy, decadent element that complements the savory meat and sauce perfectly.
* **Homemade Marinara Sauce:** While store-bought sauce can work in a pinch, making your own marinara sauce allows you to control the flavor and create a sauce that’s perfectly tailored to your taste. The slow simmering process deepens the flavors and creates a rich, complex sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.
* **Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti:** Achieving al dente spaghetti is crucial for the overall texture of the dish. Overcooked spaghetti becomes mushy and detracts from the experience.
* **Flavorful Meatball Mixture:** The combination of ground beef and pork, along with breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of Italian seasonings, creates a meatball that’s both tender and flavorful.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork.

## Ingredients

### For the Mozzarella Meatballs:

* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
* 1/2 pound ground pork
* 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

### For the Homemade Marinara Sauce:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

### For the Spaghetti:

* 1 pound spaghetti
* Salt for boiling water

## Equipment

* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Large skillet
* Tongs
* Colander

## Instructions

This recipe is broken down into three main parts: making the meatballs, preparing the marinara sauce, and cooking the spaghetti. While each part requires its own attention, the end result is well worth the effort.

### Part 1: Making the Mozzarella Meatballs

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
2. **Form the Meatballs:** Take a small amount of the meat mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the meat and carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, ensuring that it is completely sealed. Roll the meatball between your palms to form a smooth, round shape. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella cheese. You should have about 18-20 meatballs.
3. **Brown the Meatballs:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is important for developing flavor and helping the meatballs hold their shape during cooking. You may need to work in batches.
4. **Set Aside:** Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. They will finish cooking in the marinara sauce.

### Part 2: Preparing the Homemade Marinara Sauce

1. **Sauté Aromatics:** In the same large pot or Dutch oven that you used to brown the meatballs (after wiping out any excess grease), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
3. **Simmer and Thicken:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.
4. **Add Meatballs:** Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the mozzarella cheese is melted and gooey. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the meatballs are cooking evenly.
5. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
6. **Garnish (Optional):** Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil, if using. This adds a burst of freshness and aroma to the sauce.

### Part 3: Cooking the Spaghetti

1. **Boil Water:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use plenty of water (at least 6 quarts for 1 pound of spaghetti) to ensure the spaghetti cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together. The water should be generously salted, as this helps to season the pasta.
2. **Cook Spaghetti:** Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, or until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked through but still firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking the spaghetti, as it will become mushy.
3. **Drain Spaghetti:** Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander. Do not rinse the spaghetti, as the starch in the pasta helps the sauce cling to it.

## Serving Suggestions

1. **Traditional:** Serve the spaghetti and meatballs in the traditional way, with a generous portion of spaghetti topped with several meatballs and plenty of marinara sauce. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
2. **Family Style:** Place the cooked spaghetti in a large serving bowl and top with the meatballs and marinara sauce. Let everyone serve themselves.
3. **Individual Bowls:** Divide the spaghetti into individual bowls and top with the meatballs and sauce. This is a great option for a more formal dinner party.
4. **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce.
5. **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich spaghetti and meatballs.
6. **Wine Pairing:** A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs well with spaghetti and meatballs.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spaghetti and Mozzarella Meatballs

* **Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture:** Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
* **Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Meatballs:** Using a cookie scoop helps to ensure that all the meatballs are the same size, which means they will cook evenly.
* **Brown the Meatballs Before Simmering:** Browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the sauce adds flavor and helps them hold their shape during cooking.
* **Simmer the Sauce for at Least 30 Minutes:** Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
* **Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti:** Overcooked spaghetti becomes mushy and detracts from the dish. Cook the spaghetti until al dente.
* **Salt the Pasta Water Generously:** Salting the pasta water helps to season the pasta and prevent it from sticking together.
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil to create a sauce that’s perfectly tailored to your taste.
* **Make it Ahead:** The marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meatballs can also be formed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Freeze for Later:** Cooked meatballs and marinara sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

## Variations and Customizations

This recipe is a great starting point, but there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Use Different Ground Meats:** Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for the beef and pork.
* **Add Vegetables to the Meatballs:** Grate some zucchini or carrots into the meatball mixture for added moisture and nutrients.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce for a little heat.
* **Add Wine to the Sauce:** Add 1/2 cup of red wine to the sauce while it’s simmering for a richer flavor.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Substitute provolone, fontina, or asiago cheese for the mozzarella.
* **Add Herbs to the Sauce:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute plant-based ground meat for the beef and pork, and use vegetable broth instead of water or chicken broth.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for a heartier sauce.
* **Use Fresh Tomatoes:** In the summer, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Peel and chop the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: 650-750
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g

*Please note that nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

Mama’s Best Ever Spaghetti and Mozzarella Meatballs is a dish that’s guaranteed to bring comfort and joy to your table. With its juicy, mozzarella-stuffed meatballs, rich homemade marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is a true classic. So gather your family and friends, and prepare to indulge in a meal that’s as delicious as it is heartwarming. Enjoy!