Spaghetti with Meatballs from Olive Garden features tender, homemade meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, served over a bed of perfectly al dente spaghetti, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and vibrant basil leaves for a classic Italian comfort meal.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet or plate (for meatballs)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Colander
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Ground beef and ground pork combine to create juicy, flavorful meatballs essential for this dish's authentic taste. Breadcrumbs and whole milk are key to keeping the meatballs tender and moist. Fresh parsley and garlic enhance the savory profile, while grated Parmesan cheese mixed in the meatballs adds rich umami notes. Use crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce together to achieve a balanced, thick marinara sauce with deep flavor. Your copycat Spaghetti with Meatballs from Olive Garden will capture the classic Italian comfort of the original, complete with freshly grated Parmesan and vibrant basil garnishes.
Instructions
- Preheat oven (if baking meatballs) or prepare a baking sheet/plate for formed meatballs.
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Mix ingredients gently until just combined.
- Shape mixture into meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches diameter), place on baking sheet or plate.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides (or bake until browned and cooked through, if preferred).
- Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet or a large pot, add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, and sugar.
- Stir sauce ingredients together, bringing to a simmer.
- Return meatballs to sauce, submerging them gently.
- Simmer sauce and meatballs together for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain spaghetti using colander.
- Plate spaghetti, top with meatballs and marinara sauce using a ladle.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and basil leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Spaghetti with Meatballs from Olive Garden copycat menu can be adapted using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option while maintaining flavor and texture. If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley or Italian seasoning works as a suitable alternative. Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or oatmeal for a gluten-free adjustment, but ensure the mixture is moist enough by adjusting the milk quantity. When fresh basil leaves are not accessible, dried basil adds a similar aromatic touch to the marinara sauce and garnish. Your efforts to balance these substitutions will help you recreate the classic Italian comfort meal with ingredients tailored to your pantry and dietary preferences.
Tips
Use a gentle hand when mixing the meatball ingredients to avoid tough meatballs--overworking the mixture can make them dense. Browning the meatballs evenly in batches ensures a flavorful crust without overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of searing. Simmering the browned meatballs in the marinara sauce allows them to absorb rich flavors and stay tender; be careful not to stir too vigorously to prevent breaking them apart. For perfectly al dente spaghetti, salt the boiling water well and check the pasta a minute before the package's recommended time to avoid overcooking your dish.
Nutritions
Spaghetti with Meatballs from Olive Garden provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, primarily from the ground beef, pork, and olive oil. Each serving delivers essential nutrients such as iron, calcium from Parmesan cheese, and vitamins from fresh basil and tomato-based sauce. The dish contains approximately 700-900 calories per serving, depending on portion size, making it a satisfying option for your energy needs. Incorporating this classic Italian meal into your diet supports muscle maintenance and provides antioxidants from tomatoes and herbs.
Storage
Store leftover Spaghetti with Meatballs in an airtight container, separating the meatballs and sauce from the spaghetti to maintain texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage, up to 2-3 months, ensuring to cool the dish completely before sealing. When reheating, gently warm the sauce and meatballs on low heat while reheating the spaghetti separately to preserve the dish's quality for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and pork to create a leaner meatball variation without sacrificing flavor. Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter texture and added crunch in the meatballs. Experiment by cooking the meatballs in a slow cooker with the marinara sauce for a hands-off option that intensifies the flavors over time. You can also swap spaghetti for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary preferences while still enjoying your classic Italian comfort meal.
Allergies
Spaghetti with Meatballs from Olive Garden contains common allergens such as eggs, milk (Parmesan cheese and whole milk), and wheat (breadcrumbs and spaghetti). Those with allergies to dairy, gluten, or eggs should take caution or seek suitable substitutions to avoid adverse reactions. Your allergic sensitivities can be managed by ensuring ingredient transparency and potential modifications when ordering or preparing this dish.
Why this recipe?
Spaghetti with Meatballs from Olive Garden is praised for its rich tomato sauce, tender beef and pork meatballs, and perfectly cooked al dente pasta that creates a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of Italian herbs and spices in the sauce enhances the authentic taste that fans crave. You can replicate this popular dish at home to save money while customizing flavors to suit your preferences, making it a rewarding culinary project. Homemade versions also allow for fresh ingredients, ensuring a healthier and equally delicious alternative.