Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This timeless dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying meal. With this easy recipe, you can bring the warmth and flavor of an Italian-American classic to your table.

Spaghetti and meatballs have always been a favorite in our home. The smell of the marinara sauce simmering on the stove brings everyone to the kitchen. My daughter loves rolling the meatballs with her tiny hands, and my husband can’t wait to dig in. It’s not just a meal—it’s a tradition that brings us closer every time I make it.

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti and Meatballs

•Rich and Flavorful: Homemade marinara sauce and juicy meatballs.

•Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

•Customizable: Adjust seasonings or add your favorite ingredients.

•Perfect for Any Occasion: A classic that works for both casual and special meals.

Ingredients Notes For Spaghetti and Meatballs

•Ground Meat: A mix of ground beef and pork for tender, flavorful meatballs.

•Breadcrumbs and Milk: Keep the meatballs moist and tender.

•Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture.

•Seasonings: Garlic, parsley, oregano, and Parmesan for bold flavor.

•Marinara Sauce: Use homemade or a high-quality store-bought sauce.

•Spaghetti: Cooked al dente for the perfect bite.

Recipe Steps

1.Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

2.Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Sear the meatballs until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3.Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add marinara sauce and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4.Simmer the Meatballs: Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5.Cook the Spaghetti: While the meatballs simmer, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

6.Assemble: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce or serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

7.Serve: Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

•Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

•Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

•Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

•Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Course: Main Course

Kitchen: Italian-American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ For the Meatballs:
• ▢ 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• ▢ 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• ▢ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
• ▢ For the Sauce:
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 1 small onion finely diced
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
• ▢ Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• ▢ For the Pasta:
• ▢ 12 oz spaghetti
• ▢ Salt for pasta water

Instructions

• Make the Meatballs:
• Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
• Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 12-15 meatballs).
• Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
• Make the Sauce:
• Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Simmer the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Stir to combine.
• Add the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Cook the Pasta:
• Boil the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Serve:
• Combine or Serve Separately: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs, or serve the spaghetti topped with sauce and meatballs.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.