Name: Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork); ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking); 12 oz spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade); Salt, to taste; Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley, extra Parmesan

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This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is the kind of classic Italian-inspired dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Juicy, tender meatballs bursting with flavor, simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce, paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti make this meal an unbeatable comfort food favorite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe brings everyone to the table ready for seconds and full of smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a pasta dish arranged neatly on a white marbled surface: a large white bowl filled with chunky red tomato sauce at the top left, a small clear container with bright yellow olive oil above the center, a bundle of uncooked yellow spaghetti tied with white string to the right, a white bowl with raw pink ground meat below the spaghetti, three small gray bowls containing grated cheese, light brown breadcrumbs, and finely chopped garlic from right to left, a white egg placed slightly left of the center, and a small wooden board at the bottom left with fresh green parsley and a small bowl of salt and black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe has a role in creating a perfectly balanced dish packed with flavor, texture, and heartwarming goodness. From the meatballs’ tender bite to the sauce’s robust tomato sweetness and the pasta’s silky strands, you’ll see how simple essentials come together beautifully.

Ground beef (or half beef, half pork): Provides juicy, flavorful meatballs with the perfect fat content for tenderness.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and give them a light, tender texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth that enriches the meatballs.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold all ingredients together.
Minced garlic: Infuses the meatballs and sauce with fragrant, aromatic flavor.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbal complexity.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to balance and elevate all flavors.
Olive oil: Used both for cooking the meatballs and sautéing garlic, it adds richness.
Spaghetti: The classic pasta base, tender yet firm enough to hold the sauce.
Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish’s tomato flavor, whether store-bought or homemade.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish): Brightens and freshens the final dish.
Extra Parmesan (optional garnish): For that cheesy finishing touch.

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mixing the ingredients gently but thoroughly ensures the meatballs are tender and flavorful without becoming dense. Remember, less is more when mixing!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. Keeping them uniform in size helps them cook evenly. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—rustic shapes make them feel homemade and inviting.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 6–8 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the meatballs a beautiful crust. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. This base will soak into the meatballs, creating deep, cohesive flavors.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Let everything simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. This final cooking phase keeps the meatballs tender and infuses the sauce with their savory juices.

Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti

While the meatballs simmer, cook spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to avoid sogginess and serve immediately with the sauce and meatballs piled on top.

How to Serve Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the dish. Don’t forget to grate extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish that melts delightfully into the warm sauce.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf offers the perfect vehicle for soaking up leftover sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini complement the hearty flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the spaghetti and meatballs in individual cast iron skillets or mini casserole dishes—perfect for dinner parties or family meals. Layering the pasta, sauce, and meatballs and topping with garnishes creates a beautiful, inviting presentation everyone will admire before diving in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep spaghetti separate to maintain its texture, and combine before reheating for the best results.

Freezing

This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully, making it an ideal meal prep option. Freeze meatballs and sauce in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Pasta can be frozen too, but it’s best to undercook it slightly before freezing to preserve texture upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If reheating frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the sauce silky and smooth during warming.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just add a bit of olive oil or even some grated cheese to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

What’s the best way to ensure meatballs stay tender?

Mix the meatball ingredients gently and avoid overworking the mixture. Also, simmering the meatballs in sauce rather than drying them out in the oven helps keep them juicy.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce brings a fresh, vibrant flavor and allows you to control ingredients for a personalized touch. This recipe shines with both store-bought and homemade sauces.

Is it possible to bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Definitely! Baking at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes is an excellent hands-off alternative that still produces tasty, well-cooked meatballs.

How many servings does this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe make?

This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, depending on portion sizes, making it perfect for families or casual dinner parties.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort meal. It’s straightforward to make, filled with hearty, satisfying flavors, and guaranteed to bring joy around the dinner table. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!