Description
This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe offers juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, served over tender spaghetti. It’s an easy, comforting dinner perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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)
Pasta & Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer together for 15–20 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs simmer, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti and spoon the meatballs and sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and moist.
- For an alternative cooking method, bake meatballs at 400°F (205°C) for 15 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Meatballs freeze well, making them great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
