Spaghetti and meatballs is Italian American comfort food at its very best. While you can cozy up at just about any red sauce joint in the States to dig into a plate, making the dish at home is as satisfying to prepare as it is to enjoy. You don’t need as much time as you’d think to tackle each element—plus, the meatballs can even be made ahead of time.
Who Invented Spaghetti and Meatballs?
You won’t find spaghetti and meatballs in Italy, because they’re enjoyed separately there. Spaghetti and meatballs is actually an Italian American invention rather than a traditional Italian dish.While the exact origin story is a bit unclear, it’s said to have been created in New York City by Italian immigrants somewhere between 1880 and 1920. Ground beef, dried spaghetti, and canned tomatoes were some of the cheapest ingredients available, and making meatballs in red sauce and serving them over spaghetti was an inexpensive way to consume a hearty meal.
