Italian-Style Spaghetti & Meatballs – CLASSIC & FLAVORFUL
Juicy herbed beef meatballs in rich marinara sauce, served over al dente spaghetti. A comforting Italian classic bursting with flavor and aroma for family dinners or cozy dates.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs that are about the size of a golf ball.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides, about 8–10 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are browned, add the marinara sauce to the skillet, covering the meatballs completely. Lower the heat and let them simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, place a serving of spaghetti on a plate, top with marinara sauce and meatballs, and sprinkle with additional parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
For juicier meatballs, let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before forming.
Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to prevent toughness.
Brown meatballs in batches for even cooking and better sear.
Add herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
Simmer the sauce longer for deeper flavor.
Use ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version or zucchini noodles for low-carb.
For vegan option: replace ground beef with plant-based substitute and skip parmesan.
Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to prevent toughness.
Brown meatballs in batches for even cooking and better sear.
Add herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
Simmer the sauce longer for deeper flavor.
Use ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version or zucchini noodles for low-carb.
For vegan option: replace ground beef with plant-based substitute and skip parmesan.