Sammy Davis Jr.’s Legendary Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Rat Pack Recipe Revival

Sammy Davis Jr., the charismatic entertainer and member of the legendary Rat Pack, wasn’t just a master of song and dance; he was also known for his love of good food. While precise details about his culinary preferences remain somewhat elusive, anecdotal evidence and family stories point to a particular fondness for a hearty and delicious plate of spaghetti and meatballs. This recipe attempts to capture the spirit of what might have graced Sammy’s dinner table, blending classic Italian-American flavors with a touch of Rat Pack flair. Get ready to transport yourself back to the glamorous era of Las Vegas and enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!

Why Sammy Davis Jr.’s Spaghetti and Meatballs?

While there isn’t a definitively documented recipe penned by Sammy Davis Jr. himself, the legend surrounding his love for spaghetti and meatballs is strong. It’s a dish that embodies comfort, family, and the celebratory spirit of the Rat Pack era. This recipe is inspired by that spirit, aiming to create a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and worthy of a star.

Ingredients: The Key to a Rat Pack-Worthy Meal

To recreate this classic dish, you’ll need high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Meat: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture) and 1/2 pound ground pork (for added richness). Some variations include ground veal for an even more refined flavor, but beef and pork are perfectly acceptable and widely available.
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs. You can also make your own by toasting stale Italian bread and pulsing it in a food processor.
• Milk: 1/2 cup whole milk. This helps keep the meatballs tender.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. These act as a binder.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a salty, savory note. Pecorino Romano can also be used or a blend of both.
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced. Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
• Onion: 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion. Provides sweetness and depth.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adds freshness and brightness.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried oregano. A classic Italian herb.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
• Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs.

For the Spaghetti Sauce:

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup. The foundation of a great sauce.
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Forms the flavor base.
• Garlic: 6 cloves garlic, minced. More garlic is always a good idea!
• Canned Tomatoes: 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes. Use good quality tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are often recommended.
• Tomato Paste: 6 ounces tomato paste. Adds richness and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons dried oregano.
• Dried Basil: 2 teaspoons dried basil. Another essential Italian herb.
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon. Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Red Wine (Optional): 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Chianti or Merlot). Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (Optional): For garnish.

For the Spaghetti:

• Spaghetti: 1 pound. Use your favorite brand.
• Salt: For boiling the pasta water.

Instructions: Cooking Like a Rat Pack Star

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create a spaghetti and meatball masterpiece:

Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix Gently: Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
3. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Aim for consistency in size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Browning the Meatballs

1. Heat Olive Oil: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Brown them on all sides until they are nicely seared. This step is crucial for developing flavor. You may need to do this in batches.
3. Remove and Set Aside: Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point; they will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Making the Spaghetti Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (after removing any excess oil), add the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Deglaze (Optional): If using red wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds a lot of flavor. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Add Tomatoes and Paste: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
5. Season and Simmer: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.

Step 4: Cooking the Meatballs in the Sauce

1. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Make sure they are mostly submerged.
2. Simmer Together: Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This allows the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 5: Cooking the Spaghetti

1. Boil Water: While the sauce and meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use plenty of water to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the spaghetti, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
4. Drain Spaghetti: Drain the spaghetti well.

Step 6: Assembling and Serving

1. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and meatballs. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the spaghetti and meatballs immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
3. Parmesan Cheese: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on top.

Tips and Variations for a Sammy Davis Jr. Touch

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Add Vegetables: Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Meats: Experiment with different combinations of ground meat. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives to make vegetarian meatballs.
• Slow Cooker Option: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the meatballs as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker along with all the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Wine Pairing: A classic Italian red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs perfectly with this dish.
• Side Dish Suggestions: Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

The Rat Pack Legacy: More Than Just a Meal

This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a connection to a bygone era of glamour, talent, and camaraderie. As you savor each bite, imagine yourself transported to the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, surrounded by the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and, of course, Sammy Davis Jr. Enjoy the show!

Enjoy your Sammy Davis Jr. Inspired Spaghetti and Meatballs!

This recipe provides a fantastic, flavorful, and potentially historically-inspired meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you want to add a touch of Rat Pack flair to your kitchen. It’s a hearty and delicious dish that will transport you back to the golden age of entertainment. Enjoy!