Classic Meatballs with Spaghetti: A Timeless Comfort Food Favorite

There’s something universally comforting about a plate of spaghetti topped with juicy, flavorful meatballs and rich tomato sauce. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, this dish never goes out of style. These classic meatballs are tender on the inside, beautifully browned on the outside, and packed with the perfect blend of Italian herbs, cheese, and garlic.

While meatballs may seem like a labor of love, they’re surprisingly simple to make from scratch. With just a few pantry staples and a little care in the cooking, you can bring a restaurant-worthy experience right to your table.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs
1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Cooking
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups marinara or pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
Fresh basil and grated cheese for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatballs will be tough.

Step 2: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should get about 15–18 meatballs.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. They don’t need to cook through at this stage.

Step 4: Once all the meatballs are browned, return them to the skillet and pour in the marinara sauce. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Serve over hot spaghetti, topped with extra parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

For lighter meatballs, use ground turkey or chicken. Want extra flavor? Add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can also bake the meatballs at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying them. Freeze leftovers for a quick dinner later in the week.

Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Dish, Dinner

Conclusion

These classic meatballs are the definition of comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and satisfying in every bite. Whether ladled over spaghetti or tucked into a sandwich, they bring warmth and joy to the table. They’re also easy to batch cook, freeze well, and can be customized to suit any dietary needs. Once you master this timeless recipe, you’ll always have a go-to dish that pleases kids and adults alike. Simple, soulful, and unforgettable.