Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs and Marinara Sauce is a timeless Italian-American classic featuring tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This dish delivers hearty, comforting flavor and is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of pasta topped with slow-simmered sauce and homemade meatballs. This recipe captures the essence of a cozy, home-cooked meal while remaining simple and accessible. The meatballs are flavorful and tender, and the marinara sauce is robust and aromatic—a perfect pairing with al dente spaghetti.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• Bread crumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (grated or finely chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley

For the marinara sauce:

• Olive oil
• Garlic (sliced or minced)
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Salt and pepper
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil (optional)

For the pasta:

• Spaghetti
• Salt (for boiling water)
• Extra Parmesan and herbs for garnish

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes. Add meat, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form into meatballs (about 1.5 inches wide).
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Return the meatballs to the sauce and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain.
7. Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add red chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the meatball mixture.
• Add a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce for depth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store pasta separately for best texture.
Reheating: Reheat sauce and meatballs on the stovetop over low heat. Warm pasta separately or add to sauce near the end of reheating.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I freeze the meatballs and sauce?

Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine, bucatini, or even penne can be used.

How do I prevent meatballs from being dense?

Don’t overmix the meat mixture and avoid packing the meatballs too tightly.

Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

What kind of tomatoes should I use?

Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for best flavor and consistency.

Can I make mini meatballs?

Yes, just reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Should I cover the sauce while simmering?

Leave partially covered to allow it to reduce slightly while preventing splatters.

Can I use store-bought marinara?

Yes, but homemade adds a richer and more personal flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs and Marinara Sauce is a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. With simple ingredients and time-honored technique, this recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal that brings people together around the table.

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