Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs. This classic Italian-American dish combines tender, juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making Sunday dinner extra special, this spaghetti and meatballs recipe delivers on taste, comfort, and simplicity — all in one pot.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:
   In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into 1½-inch balls.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Simmer Together:
   Gently add browned meatballs into the sauce. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and sauce thickens.
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
   While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain.
6. Serve:
   Toss spaghetti with sauce or plate pasta and top with meatballs. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.

Tips

• Don’t overmix meatball mixture—this keeps them tender.
• Use a scoop or wet hands to shape evenly sized meatballs.
• Simmer meatballs gently to avoid breaking them apart.
• Fresh basil adds a bright finishing touch—don’t skip it if available.

Variations & Substitutions

• Meat Options: Use a blend of beef, pork, and veal for extra flavor.
• Sauce: Try adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar for depth.
• Cheese: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve meatballs over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
• Pair with a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food everyone loves
• Juicy, flavorful meatballs made from scratch
• Rich, aromatic tomato sauce
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Easy to customize for your family’s tastes