Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a hearty weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A timeless and satisfying dish loved by all ages.
- The homemade meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make.
- The rich tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the pasta.
- Simple ingredients and easy steps make it a great choice for any cook.
- Perfect for meal prep, as leftovers store and reheat well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Onion
- Eggs
- Fresh parsley
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Spaghetti
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, eggs, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape and Cook: Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the pan, cover, and let them cook in the sauce for another 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the meatballs are simmering, cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble and Serve: Toss the spaghetti with some of the sauce, plate, and top with meatballs. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Different Meats: Use a mix of beef, pork, and veal for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs: Insert a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking.
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the meatballs with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep spaghetti separate for best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze meatballs and sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture has enough binders, like eggs and breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
What type of pasta works best with meatballs?
Traditional spaghetti is ideal, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make and store them in the fridge for a day or freeze them for later use.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour work as alternatives.
How do I make the sauce richer in flavor?
Simmer it longer, add a splash of red wine, or use beef broth for depth.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce offers fresher and richer flavors.
How do I prevent spaghetti from sticking together?
Toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining, or stir occasionally while cooking.
What cheese pairs well with spaghetti and meatballs?
Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even fresh mozzarella work well.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or mushrooms.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic, comforting dish that never goes out of style. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try a variation, it is a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Spaghetti & Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Classic spaghetti and meatballs, made with tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Shape into meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and brown meatballs on all sides.
- Pour marinara sauce into the pan, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Serve meatballs over spaghetti, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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