This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe delivers tender, juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. A true classic Italian comfort food, this dish is easy to make and better than any restaurant version. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this hearty meal is always a crowd-pleaser! 🍝🧆✨
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For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water or broth
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 12-15 meatballs).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinara Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion for 3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add water or broth and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Toss the spaghetti with a little marinara sauce.
- Plate the spaghetti and top with meatballs and extra sauce.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- Make it ahead: The sauce and meatballs can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
- For a lighter option: Use ground turkey instead of beef.
Why This Recipe Works
The breadcrumb and milk mixture keeps the meatballs moist and tender, while the homemade marinara sauce adds deep, rich flavor. Cooking the meatballs in the sauce ensures they stay juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is simple, delicious, and comforting—perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The combination of tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti makes this a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a classic homemade Italian dish! 🍝🧆✨
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, and if so, how far in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make both the meatballs and the marinara sauce ahead of time. The sauce and meatballs can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months; allow them to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
What are some good substitutions for the ground beef in the meatballs?
You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a slightly different flavor profile. Using ground turkey will result in a lighter, leaner meatball. If you use ground turkey, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the meatball mixture to maintain moisture. You can also use a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal for a richer flavor.
How can I tell when the meatballs are perfectly cooked?
Meatballs are cooked when they are browned on the outside and cooked through. When searing, the meatballs should have a nice brown crust, which takes approximately 2-3 minutes per side. When simmering in the sauce, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Visually, the meatballs should no longer be pink inside when cut open.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe. When doubling the recipe, use a larger skillet for searing the meatballs and a larger pot for the marinara sauce. You may need to cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Double the cooking time for the sauce after adding the meatballs, ensuring they are heated through. Adjust ingredient quantities proportionally, and consider using two pots to cook the spaghetti if necessary.
What are the main nutritional benefits of this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe?
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the ground beef (or alternative meats), which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The marinara sauce contributes lycopene from the tomatoes, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits. Parmesan cheese adds calcium, and the herbs provide vitamins and antioxidants. The recipe also offers carbohydrates from the spaghetti, providing energy.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
A classic Italian-American dish, perfect for family dinners. Enjoy tender meatballs served over perfectly cooked spaghetti, all covered in a rich tomato sauce.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound spaghetti dry
- 24 ounce tomato sauce canned
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, then form into meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and brown meatballs on all sides.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a large pot, combine meatballs and tomato sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
