As a fan of Patti LaBelle, you can’t miss out on her delectable spaghetti and meatballs recipe!
What really makes her spaghetti dish special is the rich, homemade meat sauce that simmers to perfection.
Don’t rush it; letting the sauce simmer brings out all the flavors.
Adding fresh herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the taste even more.
One trick I love is to mix the pasta directly into the sauce before serving; it helps the noodles soak up all that goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, you’re going to love it!
How to Make Patti LaBelle Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 lb Ground Pork
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz.)
- 1 large Onion (chopped)
- 1 Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Oregano (dried)
- 1 small can Tomato Paste
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1 lb Linguine or Spaghetti
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2:
Form the mixture into small meatballs and set them aside.
Step 3:
In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
Step 4:
Add the canned tomatoes, oregano, and tomato paste to the pot.
Stir in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5:
Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce.
Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6:
While the meatballs cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 7:
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, adjust the seasoning of the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked pasta.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh parsley and garlic enhance the flavor tremendously, so I always recommend opting for fresh over dried whenever possible.
Don’t Overmix the Meatballs
Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Cook Pasta Al Dente
This means the pasta should be firm to the bite.
It prevents overcooking when you mix it with the sauce.
Let the Sauce Simmer
Allowing the sauce to simmer for the suggested time helps to meld the flavors together.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Make Extra Meatballs
These meatballs freeze well, so consider making a double batch to have some on hand for a quick meal later.
What to Serve with Patti LaBelle’s Spaghetti Recipe
Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread.
The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior make it the perfect companion.
Brush some sliced bread with garlic-infused butter and toast until golden brown.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad brings a refreshing contrast to the savory spaghetti.
Crispy romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons are a winning combination.
Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables add a fantastic texture and taste to your meal.
Choose a medley of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and slightly caramelized.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a fresh and flavorful option.
Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls on skewers.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a delicious and slightly unexpected side dish.
Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender and lightly charred.
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top before serving for an extra zing.
Variations and Substitutions
Looking to add your own twist to Patti LaBelle’s spaghetti recipe?
Here are some fun ideas!
Protein Alternatives
Instead of ground beef, consider using ground turkey or chicken.
For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
These options will bring a unique flavor to your dish!
Pasta Choices
Why not use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
You can also substitute spaghetti with linguine or fettuccine.
Each type of pasta gives a different texture and suits various dietary needs.
Sauce Modifications
Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
You might also substitute the tomato sauce with a vodka sauce or Alfredo.
Different sauces can transform the taste completely.
Additional Ingredients
Throw in some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Adding veggies boosts the nutritional value and flavor.
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley!
Dairy-Free Options
Use a dairy-free cheese like almond or cashew-based alternatives.
These can be just as delicious and creamy, suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Experiment and have fun with these variations and substitutions!
Happy cooking!
How to Store Leftover Patti Labelle Spaghetti Recipe
Using Airtight Containers
You should allow your leftover Patti Labelle spaghetti to cool to room temperature before storing.
Place the cooled spaghetti in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Make sure to press down and tightly secure the lid to avoid any air exposure.
Store the container in the refrigerator.
Freezing Leftover Spaghetti
If you need to store the spaghetti for a longer period, freezing is a great option.
Simply transfer the cooled spaghetti to plastic freezer bags.
Drizzle a little bit of oil or butter to the pasta before sealing the bag.
The added fat will help in breaking up clumps during reheating.
Labeling and Dating
It’s crucial to label your containers or bags with the contents and the date of storage.
This will help you keep track of how long the spaghetti has been stored and avoid consuming stale leftovers.
Use a permanent marker to write the date on masking tape and stick it to the container or bag.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta
Overcooking pasta is an easy mistake to make, but it can ruin the texture and taste of your dish.
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should still be firm to the bite.
Check the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions say it’s done.
Not Salting the Water Enough
One of the mistakes often made is not adding enough salt to the pasta water.
Your pasta water should be as salty as the sea. This simple step adds a lot of flavor to the pasta itself.
Add the salt just as the water starts to boil, but before adding the pasta.
Leaving the Lid On
Leaving the lid on the pot while the pasta is boiling can cause the water to boil over.
This can create quite the mess and is entirely avoidable. Once your water is boiling and the pasta is added, leave the lid off.
Be sure not to walk away since pasta can cook quickly and you don’t want it sticking together.
Patti LaBelle Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 lb Ground Pork
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/4 cup Parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 can Tomatoes 32 oz.
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 1 Bell Pepper chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Oregano dried
- 1 small can Tomato Paste
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1 lb Linguine or Spaghetti
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and set them aside.
- In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
- Add the canned tomatoes, oregano, and tomato paste to the pot.
- Stir in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the meatballs cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 7:
- Once the meatballs are fully cooked, adjust the seasoning of the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked pasta.