Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

The Ultimate Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a classic plate of spaghetti and meatballs. The hearty textures of tender meatballs paired with the al dente spaghetti, all enveloped in a rich, aromatic marinara sauce, make this dish a family favorite across generations. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, from the savory herbs to the warmth of garlic, creating a comforting meal that brings people together. This Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen, bringing smiles to the dinner table.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Salt for the pasta water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides. You may need to do this in batches.
3. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer.
4. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
2. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
2. Chill the Meatball Mixture: For easier handling and shaping, chill the meatball mixture for about 30 minutes before forming them.
3. Variate the Meats: Experiment with different ground meats for added flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner option, while a mix of beef and pork adds richness.
4. Homemade Breadcrumbs: For an enhanced flavor, consider making breadcrumbs from stale bread or using panko for extra crunch.
5. Don’t Skip the Sugar: A teaspoon of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute in place of ground beef and an egg replacer.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for heat.
• Different Sauces: Swap out marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a unique twist on the classic.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Meatballs and sauce can be frozen together for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen. Reheat spaghetti separately and then combine.

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FAQ

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook.

2. How do I know when the meatballs are done?

Using a meat thermometer, meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be considered fully cooked.

3. Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead?

Absolutely! For a quicker version, you can substitute homemade marinara with your favorite jarred sauce.

4. What should I serve with spaghetti and meatballs?

A simple mixed green salad or garlic bread complement the dish beautifully. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables.

5. How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

Ensure you’ve added enough binding ingredients (like egg and breadcrumbs) and handle them gently when shaping.

6. Is it okay to cook the meatballs directly in the sauce?

Yes, cooking the meatballs directly in the sauce can make them more flavorful. However, browning them first adds a nice texture and deep flavor.

Nutrition Estimate

Each serving of spaghetti and meatballs (based on 4 servings) contains approximately 570 calories, 27g of protein, 65g of carbohydrates, and 21g of fat. This dish provides a hearty, balanced meal for those seeking comforting flavors without sacrificing taste.

With its robust flavors and heartwarming texture, this Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe is bound to become a staple in your household. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing this fantastic dish with family and friends!

Spaghetti & Meatballs

A classic plate of spaghetti and meatballs featuring tender meatballs in a rich marinara sauce on a bed of al dente spaghetti, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 570 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

For the Spaghetti

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Salt for the pasta water

Instructions

 

Prepare the Meatballs

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
• Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a plate and set aside.

Cook the Meatballs

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides.
• Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Make the Marinara Sauce

• In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer.
• Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Cook the Spaghetti

• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
• Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

Combine and Serve

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
• Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Chilling the mixture helps in handling. Variate the meats for added flavor. Skip the sugar for different sauce balances.

Keyword Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe, Marinara Sauce, Meatballs, Spaghetti