Introduction
Spaghetti with Meatballs is a quintessential Italian-American comfort food that has won hearts worldwide. This classic dish pairs al dente spaghetti noodles with juicy, flavorful meatballs and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, creating a meal that is satisfying, hearty, and utterly comforting.
What makes Spaghetti with Meatballs so special is its combination of textures and flavors. The tender meatballs, infused with herbs and seasonings, perfectly complement the robust, garlicky tomato sauce. When tossed with spaghetti, every bite delivers a delightful mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that are both nostalgic and timeless.
This dish is ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal. Its visual appeal, with round meatballs nestled among spaghetti strands and garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Spaghetti with Meatballs because it’s the ultimate comfort food. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the marinara sauce is rich and aromatic, perfectly coating each strand of spaghetti. Every bite feels indulgent yet wholesome, balancing protein, carbohydrates, and flavor in one satisfying dish.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its homemade touch. From mixing the meatballs to simmering the sauce, each step builds layers of flavor that store-bought alternatives simply can’t match. The aroma while it cooks is irresistible, filling the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. It’s a dish that brings people together, evokes memories, and creates new ones with every meal.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Spaghetti with Meatballs is a must-try because it combines classic flavors, satisfying textures, and comforting appeal.
- Flavorful and hearty: Each meatball is seasoned with herbs and spices that complement the tangy, rich tomato sauce.
- Nutritious and filling: A balance of protein from meat, carbohydrates from pasta, and vitamins from tomato sauce.
- Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Versatile: Can be served with different pasta types or sauces to suit your taste.
If you love classic Italian-American dishes that are warm, hearty, and satisfying, this is a recipe you cannot miss.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~650 calories per serving
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Spaghetti
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles
- Salt, for pasta water
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Cooking Directions
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk.
- Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape into 1–2 inch meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5–6 minutes, but do not cook through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce:
- Gently add browned meatballs to the sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs, extra sauce, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley.
How to Serve
- Serve hot in individual bowls or on a large serving platter.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Optionally, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Recipe Tips
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
- Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to prevent dense meatballs.
- Simmer sauce gently to allow flavors to meld without breaking the tomatoes down too much.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency when combining with spaghetti.
Variations
- Baked Meatballs: Bake meatballs in the oven for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for a lighter option.
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Spicy Marinara: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a gooey surprise.
- Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or a mixture of mushrooms and breadcrumbs to create meatless balls.
Freezing and Storage
- Meatballs: Cooked meatballs can be frozen in sauce for up to 3 months.
- Sauce: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Cooked Spaghetti: Best consumed fresh; can refrigerate for 1–2 days but does not freeze well.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet (optional for baked meatballs)
Conclusion
Spaghetti with Meatballs is a classic, hearty, and comforting dish that embodies Italian-American cuisine. With tender, flavorful meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it is a meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Easy to prepare, versatile, and universally loved, this dish remains a timeless favorite for families, dinner parties, and cozy weeknight meals alike.
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Description
Spaghetti with Meatballs is a quintessential Italian-American comfort food that has won hearts worldwide. This classic dish pairs al dente spaghetti noodles with juicy, flavorful meatballs and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, creating a meal that is satisfying, hearty, and utterly comforting.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
For the Marinara Sauce
For the Spaghetti
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender. Shape into 1–2 inch meatballs and set aside.
-
Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5–6 minutes, but do not cook through. Remove and set aside.
-
Prepare the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
-
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Gently add browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through.
-
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
-
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs, extra sauce, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley.
