Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs
This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe features rich marinara sauce, hearty meatballs, and al dente pasta, making it the perfect comfort food for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred) Use high-quality ground beef for tender meatballs.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Salt (for boiling pasta) Add a generous amount to enhance flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. You should get 16-18 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden-brown and cooked through.
Cooking the Sauce
- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add sugar, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Stir to combine and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Carefully add the baked meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Serving
- Plate the spaghetti and top with meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For perfect results, use high-quality ingredients and avoid overmixing the meat. You can also switch to whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.