Our kitchen is where the delicious magic unfolds. I’m all about simple recipes and sharing them with our online pals
Easy Spaghetti And Meatballs
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a delicious Italian dish that comes with a rich tomato sauce as well as fresh herbs. Moreover, the best part is that the whole recipe takes only 45 minutes. In addition, it requires simple ingredients, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic dish, right !! However, let me tell you that getting it just right took some trial and error. For instance, the first time I made meatballs, they turned out to be more like hockey pucks than anything else.
Fortunately, this recipe is completely foolproof. In other words, it is simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Moreover, who doesn’t enjoy twirling spaghetti around their fork while chasing a meatball across the plate.
Additionally, if you have ever wondered whether adding sugar to tomato sauce is necessary, let me assure you that it truly makes a difference. Specifically, just a small amount helps balance out the acidity and ties all the flavors together perfectly.
So, with that in mind, grab your apron and let’s create some comforting food magic. After all, nothing quite compares to a big bowl of homemade spaghetti and meatballs.
How to Make Spaghetti And Meatballs
Step one : Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, milk, and parsley.
- Mix everything until well combined, but don’t overwork the mixture or the meatballs will be tough.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- You can either pan-fry the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil until browned on all sides or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Step two: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using).
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for at least 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step three: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step four : Serve
- Plate the spaghetti and ladle the meatballs and sauce on top.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Baking sheet if baking meatballs
- Tongs or spoon for stirring
- Large skillet or saucepan for the sauce
- Mixing bowl for meatballs
- Knife and cutting board
Best Tips
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it before adding the meatballs.
For extra juicy meatballs, use a mix of ground beef.
If you like a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
To prevent spaghetti from sticking together, toss it with a little olive oil after draining.
What To Eat With Spaghetti And Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious ideas:
Garlic bread Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Caesar salad A crisp, fresh salad balances the richness of the pasta.
Steamed vegetables Such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition.
Roasted potatoes A hearty and flavorful side dish.
FAQ
Can I use store bought meatballs?
Yes! If you’re short on time, pre made frozen meatballs work great. Just heat them in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs or sautéed mushrooms.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the sauce and meatballs in a pan over low heat. The spaghetti can be warmed in the microwave with a bit of water.
SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
Easy Spaghetti And Meatballs
Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
30
minutesCalories
500
kcalTotal time
45
minutesThis Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a classic Italian comfort food featuring juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 pound (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Spaghetti:
12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
Water for boiling
Salt for the pasta water
Directions
- Step one : Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, milk, and parsley.
- Mix everything until well combined, but don’t overwork the mixture or the meatballs will be tough.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- You can either pan-fry the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil until browned on all sides or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Step two: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using).
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for at least 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step three: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step four : Serve
- Plate the spaghetti and ladle the meatballs and sauce on top.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Meatball Texture: If you like super tender meatballs, don’t overmix the meat! Just combine everything gently until mixed. Overworking makes them tough.
- Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Both the meatballs and sauce can be made a day ahead flavors get even better overnight.
- Cooking the Pasta: Always salt your pasta water it should taste like the ocean! And don’t rinse the pasta after draining; the starch helps the sauce cling better.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the Parmesan in the meatballs or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Sauce: Freezes beautifully. Just warm it up on the stove before serving.
