Giant Spaghetti-Stuffed Meatballs
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs with our Giant Spaghetti-Stuffed Meatballs. This innovative dish transforms your traditional meatballs into a delicious, all-in-one meal experience, as each one is generously stuffed with spaghetti and savoury sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this dish brings the essence of Italy to your table, ensuring each bite is filled with flavour, comfort, and satisfaction.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon (for water)
salt
1 pinch (for water)
ground beef
3 lbs
eggs
3
milk
1 cup
breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (seasoned or plain)
sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
white or black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons
oregano
3 teaspoons
parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
garlic powder or cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons (minced if using cloves)
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup
spaghetti noodles
1 lb
spaghetti sauce
48 ounces jar
flour
1-2 cups (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Bring a large Dutch oven or pot filled halfway with water to a rolling boil. Add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt to the boiling water to prevent the spaghetti from sticking.
3
Cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente, following package instructions. Once cooked, strain the noodles and mix them with the spaghetti sauce. Set aside to allow the mixture to cool completely.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, sea salt, white or black pepper, oregano, parsley, garlic powder or minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
5
To shape the meatballs, take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it into a patty. You can use a small bowl or a hamburger stuffer to hollow out each patty if needed.
6
Place approximately 1/2 cup of the spaghetti and sauce mixture into the center of each patty. Top with another flattened patty and seal the edges carefully to form a large, round meatball. Ensure the filling is fully enclosed by pressing the seams tightly.
7
Once all meatballs are formed, roll each one in flour to help seal the edges further and maintain their shape.
8
Arrange the meatballs in a shallow baking pan. Spoon extra spaghetti sauce over each meatball, ensuring they are generously covered.
9
Sprinkle additional grated parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, basting the meatballs with sauce every 15 minutes to keep them moist and enhance the flavour.
11
Once cooked through and nicely browned, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
12
Serve hot and enjoy the fusion of spaghetti and meatball goodness in every bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Giant Spaghetti-Stuffed Meatballs?
They are an innovative twist on the classic Italian dish where large meatballs are stuffed with a mixture of cooked spaghetti and savory sauce before being baked.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best results.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of ground beef.
How much spaghetti do I need?
You will need 1 lb of spaghetti noodles for the stuffing.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?
Add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt to the boiling water before adding the noodles.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use either seasoned or plain breadcrumbs depending on your preference.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of either garlic powder or minced garlic cloves.
What liquid is added to the meat mixture?
The meat mixture includes 3 eggs and 1 cup of milk to help bind the ingredients and keep the meatballs moist.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
A 48-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce is used for mixing with the noodles and topping the meatballs.
What is the purpose of rolling the meatballs in flour?
Rolling the meatballs in flour helps seal the edges and maintain their round shape during the baking process.
How do I hollow out the meat patties?
You can use a small bowl or a hamburger stuffer to hollow out each meat patty before filling.
How much spaghetti goes inside each meatball?
Place approximately 1/2 cup of the cooked spaghetti and sauce mixture into the center of each meat patty.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake for 45 to 60 minutes.
Should I baste the meatballs while they cook?
Yes, basting the meatballs with extra sauce every 15 minutes helps keep them moist and enhances the flavor.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese inside the meat mixture and additional cheese for the topping.
What herbs are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes 3 teaspoons of oregano and 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
Should the spaghetti be cooked fully before stuffing?
The noodles should be cooked until 'al dente' according to package instructions before being mixed with sauce.
Is it important to let the spaghetti cool?
Yes, you should allow the spaghetti and sauce mixture to cool completely before stuffing the meat patties.
How do I ensure the filling doesn't leak out?
Seal the edges carefully by pressing the seams of the two meat patties tightly together to fully enclose the filling.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 1/2 teaspoons of white or black pepper.
What type of salt is recommended for the meat?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of sea salt for the meat mixture.
How do I finish the meatballs before they go in the oven?
Spoon extra spaghetti sauce over each meatball and sprinkle them with additional grated parmesan cheese.
What should I do after the meatballs are finished baking?
Once cooked through and browned, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
What is the texture of the cooked meatballs?
The meatballs are hearty and browned on the outside while remaining moist inside with a soft spaghetti center.
What category of food does this fall under?
This is considered Italian fusion comfort food, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total for this Giant Spaghetti-Stuffed Meatballs recipe.
Can I make these ahead of time?
While best served hot, you can prepare the components like the spaghetti mixture in advance.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is considered a family-friendly meal that combines two kid-favorite foods into one.
What is the best way to serve these?
Serve them hot to enjoy the fusion of spaghetti and meatball goodness in every bite.