Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comforting Italian-American classic that combines tender beef meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this hearty dish delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and timeless appeal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefbread crumbsgrated Parmesan cheeseeggsminced garlicchopped parsleyonionsaltblack pepperolive oilcrushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)tomato pastedried oreganofresh basilspaghetti noodles

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, then stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 30-40 minutesTotal time: 50-60 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor and tenderness.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for dietary preferences.

Try stuffing the meatballs with a small cube of mozzarella for a cheesy surprise.

Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for depth.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until heated through.For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance or freeze them before baking.

Do I have to bake the meatballs?

No, you can also pan-fry them until browned on all sides, then simmer in sauce.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, though homemade offers more flavor control. Choose a high-quality marinara if using pre-made.

What can I use instead of bread crumbs?

Crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice can work as a binder.

Why are my meatballs tough?

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and use a light hand when shaping them.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.

What type of pasta can I substitute?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne can be used instead of spaghetti.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the combination of pasta, meatballs, and tomato sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

After draining, toss with a small amount of olive oil if not serving immediately.

Conclusion

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a timeless favorite that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy homemade dinner, this dish offers bold flavor, simple preparation, and endless possibilities for customization. Serve it up with garlic bread and a salad for a complete, classic meal.