spaghetti and meatballs recipe.

 

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe (Classic Italian-American Comfort Food)

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe | Easy Classic Dinner

Make this classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe with tender homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. A comforting family dinner.

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe combines tender, juicy homemade meatballs with rich marinara sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a classic Italian-American dinner. The meatballs are made with ground beef, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and egg, then gently simmered in tomato sauce until flavorful and tender.

It's a comforting, family-friendly meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday gatherings, or whenever you're craving a hearty bowl of pasta.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

Why You'll Love This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

• Tender homemade meatballs: The meatballs stay juicy and flavorful.
• Rich marinara sauce: Simmering the meatballs in sauce adds extra depth of flavor.
• Classic comfort food: Spaghetti, meatballs, and tomato sauce make a timeless combination.
• Family-friendly: A satisfying dinner that both kids and adults can enjoy.
• Easy ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors become even better after resting overnight.
• Perfect for gatherings: Make a large batch for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sugar, optional
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Pasta

• 1 pound spaghetti
• Salt, for the pasta water
• ½ cup grated Parmesan, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Breadcrumb Mixture

Place the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl.

Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.

This helps create tender meatballs.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Add the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs.

Gently mix with clean hands or a fork until just combined.

Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs, using about 1½ tablespoons of mixture per meatball.

Place them on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the meatballs in batches, leaving space between them.

Brown them on several sides for approximately 5–7 minutes.

They don't need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Transfer them to a plate.

Step 5: Make the Marinara Sauce

Add the olive oil to the same pan if needed.

Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, black pepper, sugar if using, and red pepper flakes.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Simmer the Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs to the sauce.

Cover partially and simmer over low heat for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning the meatballs gently once or twice.

Cook until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Stir in the fresh basil during the final few minutes.

Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti

While the meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.

Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

Step 8: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained spaghetti with a little marinara sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 9: Serve

Divide the spaghetti among serving plates.

Top with meatballs and plenty of marinara sauce.

Finish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.

Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender.
• Soak the breadcrumbs: Milk-softened breadcrumbs help prevent dry meatballs.
• Brown before simmering: Browning adds a deeper savory flavor.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: Brown the meatballs in batches for better color.
• Simmer gently: A gentle simmer helps keep the meatballs tender.
• Cook spaghetti al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better with the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water can loosen and improve the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts and tastes better than many pre-grated varieties.
• Rest before serving: Let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a few minutes before plating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spaghetti and Meatballs with:

• Garlic bread
• Homemade Italian bread
• Caesar salad
• Italian chopped salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Sautéed spinach
• Garlic knots
• Bruschetta
• Antipasto salad
• Steamed broccoli

For a classic Italian-American dinner, pair it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

Variations

Turkey Spaghetti and Meatballs

Replace the beef and pork with ground turkey. Because turkey can be leaner, avoid overmixing and overcooking the meatballs.

Chicken Spaghetti and Meatballs

Use ground chicken for a lighter variation. Add a little extra Parmesan and herbs for additional flavor.

Three-Meat Meatballs

Combine ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage for richer, more savory meatballs.

Spicy Spaghetti and Meatballs

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.

Baked Meatballs

Instead of pan-browning, arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) until cooked through and lightly browned. Finish them in the marinara sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Allow leftover spaghetti and meatballs to cool before transferring them to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly heated.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of water while reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Approximate values per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 71 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Potassium: 900 mg
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Calcium: 240 mg
• Iron: 5 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to tender meatballs?

Don't overmix the meat mixture, and soak the breadcrumbs in milk before combining the ingredients. These steps help create softer, more tender meatballs.

Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?

Both methods work. Browning them in a skillet adds extra flavor, while baking is convenient and requires less hands-on cooking.

Can I make spaghetti and meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. The meatballs and sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving with freshly cooked spaghetti.

Can I freeze homemade meatballs?

Yes. Cooked meatballs can be frozen with or without sauce for up to about 3 months when properly stored.

Why do my meatballs fall apart?

This can happen when the mixture is too wet, isn't mixed sufficiently, or doesn't contain enough binding ingredients. Handle the mixture gently but make sure it holds together when shaped.

Can I use only ground beef?

Yes. You can make the meatballs entirely with ground beef. A mixture of beef and pork provides additional richness, but beef-only meatballs are delicious too.

What pasta is best with meatballs?

Spaghetti is the classic choice, but linguine, bucatini, rigatoni, or penne can also be served with the same meatballs and sauce.

Should I put meatballs directly in the sauce?

After browning, simmering the meatballs in marinara allows them to absorb flavor while keeping them tender.

Similar Recipes

• Chicken Parmigiana Hero
• Italian Hero Sandwich
• Chicken Parmesan
• Lasagna
• Baked Ziti
• Stuffed Shells
• Manicotti
• Chicken Marsala
• Eggplant Parmesan
• Italian Sausage Pasta

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food, combining tender homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's hearty, flavorful, family-friendly, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner while still being special enough for Sunday gatherings. Finish it with plenty of Parmesan and fresh basil, and serve it with warm garlic bread for a classic meal everyone will love.