Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce. This classic Italian-American meal is loved for its satisfying taste, easy preparation, and ability to bring people together at the dinner table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it’s a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

ingredients

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

ground beefground porkbreadcrumbsparmesan cheesegarfliconioneggsfresh parsleydried oreganofennel seedsalt and black pepperolive oilcrushed tomatoes (canned)tomato pastebasil leavesgranulated sugar (optional)spaghetti noodles

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, eggs, parsley, oregano, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until soft and fragrant.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once meatballs are done, transfer them into the sauce and let simmer together for an additional 10 minutes.

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Serve meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesSimmering time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option.

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Stuff a small piece of mozzarella inside each meatball for a cheesy surprise.

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

Serve over zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.Meatballs and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge.

Do I have to bake the meatballs?

No, you can pan-fry or simmer them directly in the sauce, but baking is less messy and helps them hold shape.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Yes, for convenience, you can use your favorite store-bought sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based meat substitutes or lentil-based meatballs and a vegetarian sauce.

How do I keep the meatballs moist?

Don’t overmix the meat and include ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs to retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just scale all ingredients accordingly.

What type of pasta works best besides spaghetti?

Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well with the meatballs and sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, kids generally love the familiar taste of pasta and meatballs.

What can I serve with spaghetti and meatballs?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides.

Can I use only ground beef?

Yes, though a mix of beef and pork adds more depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Spaghetti and Meatballs is the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore your own variations, it’s a meal that delivers on flavor, nostalgia, and satisfaction. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking rotation.