Description
Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs and Marinara Sauce is a hearty, comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s ideal for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- For the marinara sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, optional
- For the pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt, for pasta water
- Extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix bread crumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes. Add ground meat, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Return meatballs to the sauce and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain.
- Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Add a splash of red wine to deepen the marinara flavor.
- Bake meatballs instead of frying for less mess.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make it gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg