Description

Jamie Oliver Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic pasta dish featuring seasoned meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over spaghetti. The meatballs become tender as they cook, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

- 500g ground beef

- 250g ground pork

- 1 small onion, finely grated

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 50g breadcrumbs

- 1 large egg

- 30g Parmesan cheese, grated

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt, to taste

- Black pepper, to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

- 2 tablespoons tomato purée

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- Salt, to taste

- Black pepper, to taste

For Serving

- 500g spaghetti

- Fresh basil leaves

- Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer them to a plate.

Step 4: Start the Tomato Sauce

In the same pan, add olive oil if needed. Cook the chopped onion for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Simmer the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the sauce. Cover partially and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Toss the spaghetti with a small amount of sauce. Divide among serving plates, top with meatballs and extra sauce, then garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.