This is One of Frank Sinatra’s Favorite Meals

Old Blue Eyes was known for his love for fine Italian cuisine. And there was one particular dish that held a special place in his heart (and stomach) – Spaghetti and Meatballs. This classic, comforting meal is exactly the kind of thing you can picture Sinatra sitting down to after a long night of crooning in Las Vegas or Hollywood. 🍝🎵

The key to a dish like this lies in its simplicity. It’s all about the right ingredients, prepared with care and love. Much like Sinatra’s music, this recipe is a symphony of flavors that come together to create a melody that’s unforgettable. 🧑‍🍳🎶

On Stage: The Meatballs

The meatballs are the showstoppers of this meal. Made with a blend of beef and pork, they are seasoned just right and cooked until they’re brown and crisp on the outside, yet remain juicy on the inside. A delicious encore for your taste buds! 🍽️🍖

Tip: For the tenderest meatballs, don’t overmix the meat. Combine it just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Once you’ve perfected your meatballs, it’s time to take them for a swim in a hearty tomato sauce. The sauce should be rich and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. 🍅🥣

The Backing Vocals: Spaghetti

The spaghetti acts as the harmonious backing vocals to this delicious dish. Cooked al dente, it should provide a satisfying bite, pairing perfectly with the robust meatballs and sauce. 🍝

Tip: Remember to salt your pasta water. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

Combine it all together and you have a dish that’s music to your mouth! Just like one of Sinatra’s ballads, this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is timeless and sure to warm the heart (and stomach) of anyone who tries it. 🎤🎹

So, let’s hit the high note and get cooking!

Tip: Don’t forget to top your spaghetti and meatballs with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. These final touches really make the dish sing!

Frank Sinatra’s Favorite: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

600

kcal

Total time

90

minutes

Recreate a beloved dish of the legendary Frank Sinatra. This classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is music to your mouth, combining simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb ground pork

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• 2 eggs

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 lb spaghetti

• 1 jar marinara sauce

• Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, for serving

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, eggs, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs and set aside.
• Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they’re browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the marinara sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the pan. Cover and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 30 minutes.
• While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
• Toss the cooked spaghetti with a bit of the marinara sauce. Serve the spaghetti topped with the meatballs and additional sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can also sauté some onion and garlic in the pan before adding the marinara sauce.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the meatballs to your liking. You can add some dried Italian herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can use all beef, all pork, or even ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Q: What if I don’t have any bread crumbs?
A: You can substitute the bread crumbs with finely crushed crackers, or you can use oatmeal as a gluten-free option.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes for the sauce?
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just be sure to peel and seed them first, and note that the cooking time may be a bit longer to allow the tomatoes to break down.