Spaghetti and Meatballs

There is something truly comforting about Spaghetti and Meatballs, a classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This recipe combines tender meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti, creating a harmony of flavors that’s ideal for any weeknight dinner. Learn the secrets to making delicious Spaghetti and Meatballs with this easy, flavorful recipe that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal loved by all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple comfort food: This dish balances homestyle tradition with quick preparation, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-packed sauce: A robust tomato sauce infused with herbs transforms the meatballs and pasta into a flavorful feast.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer beef, pork, or a mix, this recipe adapts seamlessly to your taste preferences.
• Family favorite: It’s a sure crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will ask for again and again.
• Classic but versatile: You can pair it with various sides or add extra spices to suit your mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe comes from simple, quality ingredients that each bring their own role, from flavor to texture to a vibrant pop of color. Gathering the essentials ensures your dish is both delicious and authentic.

• Ground meat: Use a mix of beef and pork for juicy, flavorful meatballs with the perfect texture.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them tender without being dense.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty undertone that enriches every bite.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the meatballs with a fresh herbal note and adds visual appeal.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatballs together while cooking.
• Garlic and onion: Provide aromatic depth and a savory kick to the meat and sauce alike.
• Canned crushed tomatoes: The base for a rich, tangy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and meatballs.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruitiness to the sauce.
• Spaghetti pasta: Choose classic spaghetti noodles that soak up the sauce perfectly.
• Italian seasoning and fresh basil: Infuse both the sauce and meatballs with warm, fragrant herb notes.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors throughout the dish.

Variations for Spaghetti and Meatballs

This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is wonderfully flexible and can easily be tailored to suit specific dietary needs or flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment with these creative variation ideas for your next meal.

• Turkey or chicken meatballs: For a leaner option with a lighter taste and texture.
• Vegetarian meatballs: Made from lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes to keep things meat-free.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce and meatballs for heat.
• Cheesy core: Insert small mozzarella cubes inside each meatball for a gooey surprise.
• Zucchini noodles: Swap spaghetti pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb version that’s fresh and colorful.

this …

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, finely diced onion, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Gently mix with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a separate pot, sauté additional garlic and onions in olive oil until translucent. Add canned crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Transfer the browned meatballs into the sauce pot, cover, and simmer for another 20 minutes to fully cook the meatballs and let the flavors infuse.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but reserve a little pasta water for later.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked spaghetti with a ladle of the tomato sauce to coat the noodles. Serve with the meatballs nestled on top, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Making Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Mix gently: Combine meatball ingredients without overworking to keep them soft and tender.
• Uniform size: Make meatballs the same size for even cooking and presentation.
• Don’t skip browning: Searing meatballs first locks in juices and adds a caramelized flavor.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and basil elevate the dish far beyond dried herbs alone.
• Reserve pasta water: Mixing a little starchy pasta water into your sauce helps it cling beautifully to the noodles.
• Simmer low and slow: Allow the sauce and meatballs enough time to meld flavors for a richer result.

How to Serve Spaghetti and Meatballs

Garnishes

Top your dish with fresh basil, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add brightness and enhance visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Classic garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or steamed green vegetables complement Spaghetti and Meatballs perfectly, rounding out the meal without overpowering the main flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the meatballs in mini casserole dishes for individual portions, or place the meatballs on skewers as appetizer bites under the tomato sauce drizzle — it’s a fun twist that’s perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover Spaghetti and Meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and flavors.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully — store meatballs and sauce separately from the pasta for up to 2 months for best texture upon reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water to prevent drying out, ensuring the sauce and meatballs stay moist and tasty.

FAQs

Can I make Spaghetti and Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and reheat gently before serving, which often enhances the flavors.

What is the best meat for meatballs?

A mix of ground beef and pork is ideal because pork adds juiciness while beef brings richness and structure.

How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Using eggs and breadcrumbs in the mixture helps bind the ingredients together, and avoiding overmixing prevents them from becoming dense and crumbly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensuring pasta is gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Definitely. Freeze the sauce and meatballs separately from the spaghetti to maintain texture, then reheat and combine when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a timeless favorite that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving a comforting meal, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and joy with every forkful. Give it a try tonight and watch it become your go-to weeknight dinner!

Related Posts

• Chicken Pasta with Bacon Peas and Lemon
• French Onion Pasta
• Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Print