How To Make Spaghetti And Meatballs In Electric Skillet

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that is loved by people of all ages. The combination of tender meatballs, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti creates a comforting and satisfying meal. While many people traditionally prepare spaghetti and meatballs on the stovetop, using an electric skillet can offer a convenient and efficient alternative.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of making spaghetti and meatballs in an electric skillet. We will provide step-by-step instructions, highlighting the key techniques and tips to ensure that your dish turns out delicious every time. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade Italian feast.

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients for this recipe.

Equipment Needed

To make spaghetti and meatballs in an electric skillet, you will need the following equipment:

• Electric skillet: A reliable electric skillet with a non-stick coating is essential for this recipe. Make sure to choose a skillet that can maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
• Wire rack: A wire rack will be used to cook the meatballs and allow any excess fat to drain off.
• Tongs: Tongs will come in handy for flipping and moving the meatballs without breaking them.
• Large mixing bowl: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients for the meatballs.
• Whisk or spoon: A whisk or spoon will be used to mix the ingredients for the sauce.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board will provide a clean and safe surface for preparing the ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping and slicing the ingredients.
• Garlic press: A garlic press will make it easier to mince the garlic for the sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy, you’ll need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients.
• Plates and serving utensils: Finally, have plates and serving utensils ready for when the dish is cooked and ready to be served.

Make sure to gather all the necessary equipment before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.

Ingredients

To make spaghetti and meatballs in an electric skillet, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the meatballs:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the spaghetti:
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• Salt for boiling water
• Garnish:
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand before you begin. Now that we have our equipment and ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making spaghetti and meatballs in an electric skillet.

Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs

Before we start cooking, we need to prepare the meatballs. Follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, lightly beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Using clean hands or a spoon, gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out the meat mixture.
4. Once all the meatballs are formed, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will allow any excess fat to drain off during cooking.
5. Place the wire rack with the meatballs in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow them to firm up.

Now that the meatballs are prepared, it’s time to move on to making the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

The sauce is an essential component of spaghetti and meatballs. Follow these steps to prepare the flavorful sauce:

1. In the electric skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
4. Season the sauce with dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate the seasonings.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.

Now that the sauce is simmering, it’s time to cook the meatballs to perfection.

When making spaghetti and meatballs in an electric skillet, make sure to brown the meatballs on all sides before adding the sauce and pasta. This will help to lock in the flavor and ensure the meatballs are fully cooked.

Step 3: Cooking the Meatballs

Now that the sauce is simmering, it’s time to cook the meatballs. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the wire rack with the meatballs from the refrigerator.
2. Place the meatballs gently into the skillet, making sure they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
3. Cook the meatballs over medium heat, turning them occasionally with tongs to ensure even browning on all sides. This process should take about 8-10 minutes.
4. Once the meatballs are nicely browned, carefully remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining meatballs until they are all cooked through.

Now that the meatballs are cooked, we can move on to cooking the spaghetti.

Step 4: Cooking the Spaghetti

Now that the meatballs are cooked and set aside, it’s time to cook the spaghetti. Follow these steps:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This will help to season the spaghetti as it cooks.
3. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and give it a gentle stir to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it.
5. Once the spaghetti is cooked, carefully drain it in a colander, reserving a small amount of the pasta cooking water.
6. Rinse the spaghetti under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.

The spaghetti is now cooked and ready to be combined with the meatballs and sauce.

Step 5: Combining the Meatballs, Sauce, and Spaghetti

Now that the meatballs and spaghetti are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Follow these steps to combine the meatballs, sauce, and spaghetti:

1. Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce in the electric skillet.
2. Gently stir the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring that they are well coated.
3. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce.
5. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss the spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs until everything is well combined.
6. Continue cooking for a few more minutes, allowing the spaghetti to soak up the flavors from the sauce.

Now that everything is well combined, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious spaghetti and meatballs dish.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

After all the hard work, it’s time to plate up and enjoy your homemade spaghetti and meatballs. Follow these steps to serve and savor the flavors:

1. Transfer the spaghetti and meatballs to serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Serve alongside some crusty bread or garlic bread to complete the meal.
4. Sit down, take a moment to appreciate your creation, and savor each bite of the delicious combination of tender meatballs, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti.
5. Pair your dish with a glass of red wine or your preferred beverage for a complete dining experience.

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti and meatballs with your loved ones or savor it as a comforting meal for yourself. The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish for another meal.

Now that you have mastered the art of making spaghetti and meatballs in an electric skillet, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make this dish your own.

Bon appétit!