Italian Meatballs from Spaghetti Warehouse feature tender, seasoned ground beef and pork blended with herbs and Parmesan cheese, shaped into juicy spheres, and simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce, served atop a bed of al dente spaghetti for a hearty and comforting classic Italian dish.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or broiler pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Large pot (for sauce)
- Wooden spoon
- Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
- Colander
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
Ground beef and pork blend is essential for authentic Italian meatballs, providing a balanced texture and flavor profile. Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley enhance the savory notes while breadcrumbs and eggs bind the mixture, ensuring tender, juicy spheres. Using high-quality crushed tomatoes and tomato paste creates a rich, flavorful sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly. Your seasoning mix should include garlic, oregano, basil, black pepper, salt, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for an authentic taste experience. This Italian Meatballs from Spaghetti Warehouse copycat menu promises a hearty meal with tender meatballs simmered in a savory sauce over al dente spaghetti.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix gently by hand until just combined.
- Roll mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes, until browned and mostly cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Dice onion and add to the pot. Sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and add sugar; stir to combine.
- Simmer sauce on low heat.
- When meatballs are done baking, transfer them gently into the tomato sauce.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain spaghetti using a colander.
- Serve spaghetti on plates or a platter.
- Spoon meatballs and sauce generously over spaghetti.
- Garnish with more grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
Substitution
Italian Meatballs from Spaghetti Warehouse copycat menu blend ground beef and pork with Parmesan, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then simmered in a tomato sauce before serving over spaghetti. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley works well at half the quantity. Breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed crackers or oats to maintain the texture of the meatballs. When simmering the sauce, low heat and occasional stirring prevent burning and enhance flavor absorption.
Tips
To ensure tender Italian Meatballs, avoid over-mixing the ground beef and pork blend, as overworked meat can result in a dense texture. Baking the meatballs on parchment paper-lined sheets helps prevent sticking and allows even browning. When simmering meatballs in sauce, do so gently to maintain their shape and infuse rich flavors thoroughly. Finally, cooking spaghetti al dente preserves its firmness and creates the perfect base for your savory meatballs and tomato sauce.
Nutritions
Italian Meatballs from Spaghetti Warehouse provide a rich source of protein from the blend of ground beef and pork, essential for muscle repair and growth. The Parmesan cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while the tomato sauce contributes antioxidants like lycopene that promote heart health. Whole wheat or enriched spaghetti supplies complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and fresh herbs such as parsley offer vitamins A, C, and K. Your meal balances macronutrients and essential micronutrients, making it a nourishing choice for a hearty Italian classic.
Storage
Store leftover Italian meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain flavor and freshness. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, making sure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and pork for a lighter, leaner option while keeping the flavors tender and moist. Swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or oats to add a different texture and absorbency to the meatballs. For the sauce, incorporate fresh basil leaves or a splash of red wine to deepen the richness and complexity of the tomato base. Baking meatballs in the sauce from the start instead of pre-baking them separately helps them stay juicier and infuses more flavor during the simmering process.
Allergies
Italian Meatballs from Spaghetti Warehouse contain common allergens such as eggs, milk (Parmesan cheese), and gluten from breadcrumbs and spaghetti, which may pose risks for individuals with allergies or intolerances. You should be cautious if you have sensitivities to dairy, eggs, or wheat-based products, as these ingredients are integral to the dish. Additionally, the combination of ground beef and pork may trigger reactions in those with specific meat allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Italian Meatballs menu from Spaghetti Warehouse restaurant features rich, flavorful meatballs made with a blend of premium meats and traditional Italian herbs, simmered in a savory tomato sauce that perfectly complements al dente spaghetti. You can taste the authentic, homemade quality in every bite, making it a favorite among diners who crave hearty, comforting Italian cuisine. Recreating the recipe at home allows you to customize the seasoning and control ingredient freshness, delivering restaurant-quality flavor tailored to your preferences. Making this copycat dish brings the classic Spaghetti Warehouse experience straight to your kitchen, satisfying cravings without the wait.