Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that brings together tender, flavorful meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s loved by all ages and ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or cozy family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A timeless family favorite
• Juicy, flavorful meatballs
• Rich, homemade tomato sauce
• Perfectly complements any pasta
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil (for frying or baking)

For the Sauce:

• Olive oil
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• Tomato paste
• Salt and pepper
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil (optional)

For Serving:

• Spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

this recipe

1. Make the Meatballs:
   In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into 1½-inch balls.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until just cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
4. Simmer Together:
   Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to finish cooking.
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
   Meanwhile, boil spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
6. Combine and Serve:
   Toss spaghetti with a bit of the sauce or serve with meatballs and sauce ladled on top. Garnish with Parmesan and basil.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
• Add red wine to the sauce for deeper flavor
• Spice it up with extra chili flakes
• Make gluten-free by using GF breadcrumbs and pasta
• Add grated onion or ricotta to meatballs for extra moisture

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce together for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Simmer on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works well.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Yes, but homemade gives the best flavor. Simmer with garlic and herbs for extra depth.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Don’t overmix and be sure to include enough binder like eggs and breadcrumbs.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, both the meatballs and sauce can be made 1–2 days in advance.

Is it okay to freeze this?

Absolutely. Freeze meatballs with sauce in portions for easy meals later.

What’s the best meat mix?

A combination of beef and pork yields the best flavor and texture.

Can I make it without eggs?

You can use a flax egg or a bit of mashed potato as a binder, though texture may vary.

How can I make it spicy?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

What can I serve with this?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies are great side options.

Conclusion

Spaghetti and Meatballs is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this classic dish brings satisfaction to the table every time. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and just as delicious the next day.

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