Spaghetti and Meatballs

Few dishes embody comfort, family, and timeless flavor quite like Spaghetti and Meatballs. This beloved classic has earned its rightful place in kitchens around the world, not only for its rich flavors but for the feeling of warmth and nostalgia it brings to the table. The combination of perfectly tender, juicy meatballs simmering in a fragrant tomato sauce and served over steaming spaghetti has a universally satisfying appeal.
From old-fashioned Italian-American diners to cherished Sunday dinners at home, this dish carries tradition, love, and simplicity in every bite. The aroma of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes filling the kitchen creates an atmosphere that instantly feels like home—no matter where you are. Whether cooked for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, Spaghetti and Meatballs always delivers delicious comfort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between hearty richness and comfort. The meatballs are tender, flavorful, and soaked in a deliciously seasoned sauce that enhances every bite. Each component of this dish—the meatballs, the sauce, and the pasta—comes together with harmony and warmth.
What makes it extra special is how customizable it is. You can adjust the herbs, meats, spices, and sauce thickness to your personal taste without losing the essence of the dish. It’s also incredibly fun to prepare: rolling meatballs, simmering sauce, and cooking pasta make this dish rewarding from start to finish.

Why It's a Must-Try Dish

This dish deserves a place in everyone’s cooking repertoire because:

• It’s a complete comfort meal—meat, sauce, pasta, and flavors that soothe the soul.
• It’s great for meal prep—meatballs and sauce freeze perfectly.
• It can feed a family or be scaled for a crowd.
• It brings people together—it’s a centerpiece for gatherings.
• It teaches foundational cooking techniques, like browning, simmering, seasoning, and blending textures.
• It’s universally loved—from kids to adults, almost everyone enjoys this classic combination.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 580 calories per serving (includes pasta)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (or use all beef)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2–3 tbsp milk (optional—makes meatballs tender)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp sugar (optional)
• ½–1 cup water or broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for finishing

For the Spaghetti

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For Serving

• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley

Quick Directions

1. Make meatball mixture and roll into balls.
2. Brown meatballs in a skillet.
3. Sauté onions and garlic; add tomatoes and herbs.
4. Simmer sauce and add browned meatballs.
5. Boil spaghetti until al dente.
6. Serve pasta topped with meatballs and sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, eggs, parsley, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
2. Mix gently using your hands—do not overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
3. Roll into medium-sized balls (about 1.5 inches).

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add meatballs in batches; brown on all sides for 5–6 minutes.
6. Remove meatballs and set aside (they will finish cooking in the sauce).

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

7. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil.
8. Sauté chopped onion for 3 minutes until soft.
9. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
10. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and broth/water.
11. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer with Meatballs

12. Add browned meatballs into the sauce gently.
13. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

15. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
16. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
17. Drain the pasta and toss lightly with olive oil (optional).

Step 6: Serve

18. Place a portion of spaghetti on a plate.
19. Top with sauce and meatballs.
20. Finish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Spaghetti and Meatballs hot with:

• Fresh basil or chopped parsley
• A generous amount of grated Parmesan
• Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks
• A simple green salad or Caesar salad

For a restaurant-style presentation:
Plate spaghetti in a swirl, place 2–3 meatballs on top, ladle warm sauce over them, and garnish with herbs.

Tips for This Recipe

• Don’t overwork the meat mixture—light mixing = tender meatballs.
• Use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor and juiciness.
• Browning meatballs adds rich caramelized flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for deeper taste.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more broth.
• Simmer meatballs gently; boiling can break them apart.

Variations

1. Baked Meatballs

Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes instead of pan-frying.

2. Turkey or Chicken Meatballs

Use lean turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

3. Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Insert a small mozzarella cube inside each meatball.

4. Spicy Meatballs

Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.

5. Herb-Rich Meatballs

Increase fresh parsley or add fresh basil.

6. Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free spaghetti.

Freezing & Storage Time

Refrigerator

• Store sauce and meatballs for 4–5 days.
• Store pasta separately to avoid sogginess.

Freezer

• Meatballs and sauce freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
• Freeze meatballs raw or cooked.
• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat sauce and meatballs on the stove over low heat.
• Add a splash of water or broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Baking sheet (optional for baked meatballs)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Conclusion

Spaghetti and Meatballs is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm, comforting embrace on a plate. This dish represents tradition, family, and flavors that stand the test of time. With tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this classic never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of home. Enjoy every hearty, flavorful bite!