Hi there! Well, there ain’t no denying it: preparing meals for the little ones can, at times, be a culinary marathon. But, a quick chat over the hot stove and I’ve whipped up a remedy sure to bring a little sunshine to those mealtime frowns.
Now, who doesn’t love Spaghetti and Meatballs? That’s right, no one! I mean, it’s an all-round winner and guaranteed to be an instant hit at the dinner table. So, buckle up, because today we’re gonna put a fun, kid-friendly spin on this classic dish.
Speaking of kid-friendly, let’s get one thing straight: our meatballs need to be bite-sized, smaller than a golf ball. Why? Well, there’s no point crying over spilt milk…or meatballs as my grandma used to say. Large, slippery meatballs and kid-sized cutlery? It’s a recipe for a disaster. So, save yourself the cleanup by creating kid-sized balls. A simple adjustment makes all the difference, trust me!
Now, imagine the surprise when these cute little meatballs are served up. Eyes will light up faster than a firefly on a summer night, let me tell you.
Oh, and here’s a little secret, a special ingredient that’s closer to you than your pot holder: Fun! When it comes to kids’ meals, fun is never a side dish, but the main course. So, roll up your sleeves and let the kiddos dive into preparing the meatballs.
And what are meatballs without a luscious tomato sauce? Nada! It’s like a high-five that leaves you hanging in the air. So, we’re taking a half-time break, simmering our meatballs in a rich, homemade tomato sauce. The tantalizing aroma of the simmering sauce…oh boy, it’s enough to make their taste buds do the cha-cha!
Now, pasta. Oh pasta, the ultimate crowd-pleaser! These squiggly strings of delight mean no kid can resist. But here’s a handy tip; break your spaghetti in half before boiling. It makes it easier for the little mites to handle, and easier for you. No spaghetti strands whipping onto their chins or your walls!
Right, it’s almost time to feast! So grab your serving spoons and get ready to twirl up a storm. A hearty pile of spaghetti, a cluster of juicy meatballs, and a dollop of our homemade tomato sauce, you’ve got a love story that rivals Romeo and Juliet.
There ya have it, folks! Spaghetti and Meatballs with the power to turn frowns upside down – a mealtime knockout! So what are you waiting for? Don your apron and join me in the quest to conquer kiddie mealtimes. Bon Appétit!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
Steps:
- Start by boiling a large pot of water, add a pinch of salt, then add your spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small, kid-friendly meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
- Grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add your meatballs to the pan and brown them evenly on all sides.
- Once they’re browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until it’s translucent.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and let it simmer.
- Add the meatballs back into the skillet, cover it and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. The meatballs should be completely submerged in the sauce.
- While the meatballs are simmering, drain your cooked spaghetti.
- When everything’s ready, you can serve up a hearty helping of spaghetti, topped with meatballs and a good helping of sauce.
- Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese on top and garnish it with fresh basil leaves.
Remember, safety first, especially when working with meat. In this case, beef. Always use a food thermometer to make sure your meat is cooked to a safe temperature. According to the USDA, ground meats, including ground beef, should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C) to kill off any bacteria that may be present. Stay safe, have fun, and bon appétit!
We think your kids will love it!
