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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Best Spaghetti and Meatballs EVER

Yum

January 18, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 23 Comments

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You can never go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs. A timeless dish, the perfect plate of spaghetti and meatballs doesn’t have to take hours to make, just a great sauce and this recipe for the baked meatballs (which can be made gluten-free, too!) 

We are serious spaghetti eaters. Like at least three times a week. It’s quick, it’s easy, and everyone is happy with the results (except that one time I accidentally switched out a little salt and pepper for sugar and cinnamon (yep, it wasn’t good.) 


MamaChallenge-Meatballs

In the past we would have spent hours on the meatballs trying to get them carmelized to the point of perfection – crunchy and juicy in the pan. We put a lot of love in making the meatballs, but it took a lot of time and a toll of my dishwashing with the pans, bowls and to be honest, I didn’t even want to eat them after I was done preparing them. I was already too tired to eat (and that says a lot.)

Then we learned a big short cut. Like HUGE. 

Secret-to-Meatballs

Baking them using a muffin pan changed everything. From getting them all to be the same size (so they cooked evenly), to cooking them with less mess, and then of course, making them healthier, baking your meatballs will change your life. 

But that’s not all. 

Want to improve the taste of your meatballs without adding tons of filler and other stuff? Mix your meats. 

Meatball-Secret

For us we enjoy a mix of ground turkey, ground Italian sausage and ground beef. Most the time we use the leaner side of things in making our meatballs, but make sure to add a little fat either to the mix or to the pan (using cooking spray) to make sure the meatballs aren’t too dry or stick to the pan. 

MeatballSecrets

Also, because of our dietary needs, we use gluten-free breadcrumbs, but you can always opt to use ground oatmeal (quick oats with a course ground in your blender) to make a really tasty (and healthier) meatball. (I also use this trick for meatloaf!) 

That’s all. 

Now all you need is your favorite Ragu and some pasta to complete the meal.

Ragu

After 30 minutes, you have the best (and easiest) spaghetti and meatballs! Full of all the good stuff that even Assunta Cantisano, the mama that created the family Ragu recipe the company started with all the way in 1937.

BestMeatballs

Print

Best Baked Meatballs


  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. ground turkey
  • 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 tsp. parsley
  • 1 1/2 tsp. basil
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 c. bread crumbs (gluten free) or 1/2 c.ground quick oats oatmeal

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.
  2. Spray muffin pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Combine meats together in a bowl. Add all the ingredients 1/4 cup (1/2 of the breadcrumbs). Set aside breadcrumbs.
  4. Mix all the ingredients together and with your hands create small balls to fit inside mini muffin pan.
  5. Before placing meatballs into pan, roll each one lightly in breadcrumbs. (Can sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you prefer, but the breadcrumbs give the meatball that crunchy, but juicy bite.)
  6. Then place each meatball into mini muffin pan.
  7. Cook in the oven for 20 minutes until golden.
  8. Serve with pasta sauce (we love Ragu) and your favorite spaghetti noodles (we use gluten free!)

Notes

  • Leftover meatballs? Put them in freezer bag and be ready for quick and easy spaghetti and meatballs anytime!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 396
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 1080
  • Fat: 23
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11
  • Trans Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 12
  • Protein: 35
  • Cholesterol: 154

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge


With no artificial flavors or high fructose syrup, you can feel just as good about the sauce as you do the meatballs you just made for your family. And without all the work…all thanks to her “secret” Ragu recipe and the mamachallenge “secret” to meatballs. 

Meatball

What’s your secret to the best spaghetti and meatballs? 

 

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Autumn Rose Reo

About Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect) , Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL PARENTS that REALLY WORK. From parenthood, things to do, reviews, style, recipes and more, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! She’s frequently featured on TV sharing her solutions and in her spare time, she’s helping others promote their business with her own PR shop, The Reo Agency See what she’s burning, party she is planning, or what challenge she is taking on today.

Comments

  1. AvatarRobin (Masshole Mommy) says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:28 pm

    I usually make my meatballs in the crockpot. I am going to have to give these a try!

    Reply
  2. AvatarJennifer says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    I need this in my belly immediately! Cooking the meatballs in muffin tins is pure genius!

    Reply
  3. AvatarHelene Cohen Bludman says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    I’m going to have to try your method. We love spaghetti and meatballs too!

    Reply
  4. AvatarShelley says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:46 pm

    I have a confession to make. I’ve never actually made meatballs before in my life. o.O
    Totally bookmarking this so I can try it this weekend! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. AvatarKelly Hutchinson says

    January 18, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    We are also big spaghetti eaters i our home. Making meatballs from scratch are such a great idea. They are healthier and cheaper than the store bought kind. I love that you used the muffin tin to make these. That is genius!

    Reply
  6. AvatarMilena says

    January 18, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    Looks just like my meatball recipe. I love baking them over frying!

    Reply
  7. AvatarRebecca Bryant says

    January 18, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    Son is all about his Spaghetti and meatballs. He would eat it everyday if I let him.

    Reply
  8. AvatarKatalina @ Peas & Peonies says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    OMG these meatballs and spaghetti look amazing, and that spicy RAGU sauce, oh my, this meal is perfect in every way.

    Reply
  9. AvatarAJ @ NutriFitMama says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    I haven’t made my meatballs this way before, i’ll have to git it a try. I do agree about mixing different meats- I love the way that tastes!

    Reply
  10. AvatarKarla Campos says

    January 18, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    Looks tasty! My kids love spaghetti and meatballs, will definitely check out your recipe 🙂

    Reply
  11. Avatarkeikilani says

    January 18, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    We are obsessed with pasta! What a great meatball hack.

    Reply
  12. AvatarKathy says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    This looks amazing! We love eating spaghetti in our house as well. This is one of our favorite meals. My youngest loves meatballs with her spaghetti too. I’ll have to try making these next time. They look delicious!

    Reply
  13. AvatarSeattle Travel Blogger says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    What a great idea to bake home made meatballs in a muffin tin!
    We are going to have to try this for sure, as we are spaghetti and meatball lovers. Thank you.

    Reply
  14. AvatarMelissa says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    I’m drooling – I love spaghetti! I need to make that ASAP!

    Reply
  15. AvatarAubrey says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    My kids love spaghetti and meatballs. I usually buy the meatballs. but these look good.

    Reply
  16. AvatarSarah says

    January 18, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    These meatballs do look awesome. I’ve never tried cooking them in a muffin pan. Brilliant!

    Reply
  17. AvatarClaudia Krusch says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:04 am

    Love the idea of baking it, can’t wait to try your recipe! It looks so much healthier than frying it!

    Reply
  18. AvatarKrista says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:40 am

    I would love to try these. My husband uses different meats in his burgers as well. Makes them so much better.

    Reply
  19. AvatarOurFamilyWorld says

    January 19, 2016 at 10:23 am

    Wow, this looks amazing! I like the idea of mixing meats. I can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
  20. Avatardawn says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    oh wow these looks super tasty. i love that you added bread crumps and ragu is one of my fav sauses.

    Reply
  21. AvatarAmy Desrosiers says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    What a clever idea to put them into a muffin tin. I usually use a plain baking sheet but I like this idea better.

    Reply
  22. AvatarBecca Wilson says

    January 21, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    Those meatballs seriously look amazing. I have never thought of making them like this, We are serious spaghetti eaters too!

    Reply
  23. AvatarJulie says

    January 22, 2016 at 8:58 am

    This looks delicious! I know what we’re having for dinner tonight.

    Reply

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