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Easy Cheesy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe for Picky Eaters That Kids Love

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A quick and easy cheesy spaghetti and meatballs recipe that is perfect for picky eaters and family dinners. The tender meatballs and creamy cheese sauce make it a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil mix)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
  • 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or cream
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup finely grated carrot or zucchini, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Add finely grated veggies if using. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) meatballs, about 16-18 total. Place evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake meatballs for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and juicy. Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning often.
  5. While meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  6. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, warm marinara sauce. Stir in milk or cream to create a creamy base.
  7. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and stir gently until melted and smooth. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  8. Gently add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 5 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
  9. Plate spaghetti, spoon meatballs and creamy sauce over the top. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
  10. Serve warm with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Baking meatballs reduces grease and mess. Salt pasta water generously for better flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Melt cheese gently in warm sauce to avoid stringiness. Add a splash of hot water or milk if sauce thickens before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, cheesy sauce, picky eaters, family dinner, easy recipe, quick meal, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/easy-cheesy-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe-for-picky-eaters-that-kids-love/