Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsFrank & Dino'sSpaghetti Con Polpette Recipe

Spaghetti Con Polpette Recipe

Inspired by Frank & Dino's
Time1h
Serves4

Classic spaghetti with meatballs.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Meatballs

Garnish

Method

Pasta Preparation

  1. 1

    Boil Water

    In a large pot, bring 4 liters of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.

  2. 2

    Cook Spaghetti

    Once the water is boiling, add 400 grams of spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meatball Preparation

  1. 3

    Mix Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine 500 grams of ground beef, 100 grams of bread crumbs, 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. 4

    Form Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should have approximately 20 meatballs.

  3. 5

    Cook Meatballs

    In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a bit of olive oil. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Tomato Sauce Preparation

  1. 6

    Sauté Onions and Garlic

    In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add 1 chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

  2. 7

    Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Stir in 800 grams of crushed canned tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Bring to a simmer.

  3. 8

    Simmer Sauce

    Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combine and Serve

  1. 9

    Combine Spaghetti and Sauce

    In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and the meatball sauce. Toss well to coat the spaghetti with the sauce.

  2. 10

    Garnish

    Serve the spaghetti con polpette in individual bowls, garnished with 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves.

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