Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a timeless Italian-American dish that brings the flavors of tender, juicy meatballs together with a rich marinara sauce, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Why Spaghetti and Meatballs is a Favorite

This classic dish combines hearty, flavorful meatballs with a savory tomato sauce, making it a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs or personal preferences. Plus, it’s an excellent way to create a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

The Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs.

2. Sear the Meatballs

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Place the meatballs in the skillet and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Return the seared meatballs to the sauce and continue simmering for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and flavorful.

4. Cook the Spaghetti

1. While the sauce and meatballs simmer, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
2. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

5. Assemble and Serve

1. Serve the meatballs and marinara sauce over a bed of spaghetti.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an authentic Italian touch.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti and Meatballs

1. Use a Mix of Meats
   The combination of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
2. Don’t Overwork the Meat
   Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to avoid dense meatballs.
3. Customize the Sauce
   Adjust the seasonings in the marinara sauce to suit your taste. Add a splash of red wine for extra depth, or make it spicy with additional red pepper flakes.

What to Serve with Spaghetti and Meatballs

Pair this dish with classic sides for a complete meal:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Bruschetta

More Delicious Recipes to Try

Looking for more tasty recipes? Check these out:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast
• Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page for ideas!

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Cooked meatballs and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months. Store them in airtight containers for easy reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the sauce and meatballs on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fiber: 4 g

Conclusion

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for entertaining. With juicy meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Try it today and explore the other recipes linked above for more culinary inspiration! Pin this recipe now on Pinterest for easy access!

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