We just tossed this idea together because we found a package of ground pork on sale plus $1 off for $1.99 at Target. We have not cooked with ground pork, so we figured we’d buy it and figure something out. So, inspired by our favourite TV chefs, Ina Garten & Giada DeLaurentiis, we came up with this delicious dish – Spaghetti Marinara with Pork Meatballs.
Side dishes that go well with Spaghetti Marinara with Pork Meatballs:
- garlic bread, of course!
- we did green beans, but if you ask me, they were out of place here
- a salad is a classic choice as well
Some alternatives you can try:
- make your own sauce
- use ground beef instead of pork
- use a different type of sauce or pasta (this recipe is easy to change!)
Spaghetti Marinara with Pork Meatballs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound of ground pork
- 1 box of spaghetti (we used whole wheat)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced/minced
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 medium egg
- 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (we used a marinara from Trader Joe’s)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium skillet, 1 deep skillet, 1 large bowl, baking sheet/cutting board
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: dice onions and garlic, get spices measured and ready.
- Heat a medium skillet and soften half of the diced onions with olive oil. Pop the softened onions in the freezer for a couple of minutes to cool them just a bit.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, softened 1/2 onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan, bread crumbs and whole egg. Mix with clean hands until everything is incorporated. Roll into ping pong ball sized meatballs and place on baking sheet/cutting board.
- Heat medium skillet over medium-high heat. At the same time, begin boiling pasta water in another pot. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and put meatballs in. Brown the meatballs on each side for 2-3 minutes. Don’t worry; you’re NOT cooking them all the way through in this step.
- Heat deep skillet and add a bit of oil. Add other 1/2 onion to a deep skillet and soften. Once soft, reduce heat to medium-low and add sauce. Add the browned meatballs to the deep skillet with the sauce. Cover skillet and continue on medium-low (or low if it bubbles) for 10 minutes or so.
- At this time, begin cooking your pasta. It will be done at just the right time!
- Check the temperature of meatballs with a meat thermometer – once they hit 160, they’re done! Plate it, and you’re done!
So there you have it, another easy and healthy dinner that is full of flavour and easy on the wallet!
