Boston's Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs from Boston Pizza features tender spaghetti tossed in a smoky tomato sauce, topped with juicy homemade meatballs and melted cheese, offering a hearty and flavorful dining experience.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Cheese grater
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley
When preparing Boston's Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs, ensure you use fresh ground beef for juicy meatballs and quality spaghetti for the best texture. Incorporate smoked paprika and a small amount of liquid smoke to achieve the distinctive smoky flavor in the tomato sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese combined with breadcrumbs and egg will help bind the meatballs while adding a savory depth. You should finely chop garlic and onion to evenly distribute their aroma throughout the sauce and meatballs. This copycat version of Boston's Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs from Boston Pizza captures the rich, smoky tomato sauce, tender meatballs, and melted cheese that define the original dish.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic (1 clove), finely chopped onion (half), milk, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté remaining minced garlic and chopped onion until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce and liquid smoke.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Transfer spaghetti mixture to a large oven-safe dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Broil or bake for 2-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Substitution
Boston's Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs copycat menu combines smoky tomato sauce with tender meatballs and melted mozzarella cheese for a rich and satisfying meal. If ground beef is unavailable, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner substitute without compromising texture. You can replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder to maintain the smoky flavor in the sauce. Using dried herbs like oregano and basil is recommended, but fresh herbs can be added for more vibrant taste if available. Remember to keep the liquid smoke quantity low to avoid overpowering your dish.
Tips
Make sure to not overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender instead of dense. When shaping meatballs, keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking throughout the batch. You should taste the tomato sauce before combining it with other components to adjust seasoning, especially the smoked paprika and liquid smoke for balanced smokiness. After baking with cheese, watch closely as it can go from melted to burnt quickly under the broiler.
Nutritions
Boston's Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs is rich in protein from the ground beef and egg, supporting muscle repair and growth. The tomato sauce provides antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Healthy fats from olive oil and the calcium from Parmesan and mozzarella cheese contribute to a balanced meal. Your meal delivers a hearty mix of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals to fuel your day.
Storage
Store leftover Boston's Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container, separating meatballs and sauce from spaghetti to prevent sogginess. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining protein levels. Replace smoked paprika and liquid smoke with chipotle chili powder for a different smoky flavor profile. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture. Consider adding fresh basil or oregano in the sauce to enhance herbal notes, adjusting the seasoning to suit Your taste preferences.
Allergies
Boston's Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs contains common allergens such as milk in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and milk ingredient, as well as eggs used to bind the meatballs. Your dish may also pose a risk for those allergic to gluten due to the spaghetti and breadcrumbs. Garlic and onion, while less common allergens, could cause sensitivities in some individuals.
Why this recipe?
Boston's Smoky Mountain Spaghetti & Meatballs at Boston Pizza stands out for its rich, smoky tomato sauce infused with layers of smoky spices that perfectly complement tender, seasoned meatballs. The dish offers a balanced blend of smoky, savory flavors and hearty textures that satisfy comfort food cravings. Your taste buds will appreciate the authentic, bold profile that makes replicating this recipe at home a rewarding culinary challenge. The unique flavor combination and satisfying portion size make it a must-try for anyone wanting a delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs.