Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a meal that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor, this Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is here to win your heart. With tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a vibrant homemade tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or cozy weekends at home. Ready to bring a bit of Italy into your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

• Homemade meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and so much better than store-bought.
• The rich tomato sauce simmers to perfection, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
• It’s a kid-friendly meal that’s perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or freezing for later.
• Using pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to customize.
• Ready in just over an hour, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the Tomato Sauce:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• For the Pasta:
• 1 lb (450g) dried spaghetti
• Salt, for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan, for serving

How to Make Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 3-5 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
3. Shape mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 18-20 meatballs). Place on a baking sheet.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Brown meatballs in batches, turning gently, for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides. Set aside.

Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add olive oil, then sauté onion until soft (about 3 minutes).
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Return meatballs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer gently, partially covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente.
2. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Toss spaghetti with a bit of reserved pasta water and a ladle of tomato sauce.
2. Plate spaghetti, top with meatballs and extra sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.

Notes for Perfect Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

• For even more flavor, try broiling the meatballs for 2 minutes after browning in the skillet.
• Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the richest sauce. See this taste test for recommendations.
• If you prefer, you can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them. Find freezer tips here.

Tasty Variations on Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Turkey Meatballs: Swap ground beef and pork for lean ground turkey.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
• Spicy Arrabbiata: Add extra red pepper flakes and a splash of chili oil to the sauce.

Required Equipment for Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Baking sheet
• Large pot for pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Store Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze sauce and meatballs (separately or together) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette.
• Serve with homemade garlic bread or focaccia.
• Enjoy with a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.

Pro Tips for Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Success

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—gentle hands make for tender meatballs (Bon Appétit tips).
• Let the sauce simmer low and slow for richer, deeper flavor.
• Reserve a bit of pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles for the perfect saucy finish.

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs FAQ

Can I make Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Meatballs and sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, or frozen for longer storage.

What’s the best meat blend for meatballs?

A mix of beef and pork gives the juiciest, most flavorful results, but you can use all beef if preferred.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to soak the breadcrumbs and avoid overmixing; also, gently brown the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

★★★★★ 4.20 from 95 ratings

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

yield: 4 servings

prep: 25 mins

cook: 35 mins

total: 50 mins

A timeless Italian-American dish featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. 2
   Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
3. 3
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
4. 4
   Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
5. 5
   Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain well.
6. 6
   Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 620cal

Protein: 32 gg

Fat: 22 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 75 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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