Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs
This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe features homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting, delicious Italian meal for any occasion!
Few dishes are as comforting and universally loved as spaghetti and meatballs. This classic Italian-American meal combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re making this dish for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe
Full of Flavor: The homemade meatballs and sauce pack a punch with fresh herbs and aromatics.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Comforting & Satisfying: A warm, hearty meal that brings people together.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Meatballs:
Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides a rich, meaty base.
Egg (1 large): Helps bind the meatballs together.
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds depth and umami flavor.
Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Enhances the meatball’s flavor and texture.
Salt (½ tsp) & Pepper (½ tsp): Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a burst of freshness.
For the Sauce:
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used to sauté the onions and develop flavor.
Onion (½ cup, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced): Gives the sauce its signature Italian aroma.
Diced Tomatoes (15 oz can): The base of the sauce, providing texture and acidity.
Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Helps create a smooth, rich consistency.
Fresh Basil (2 tbsp, chopped): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, herbaceous note.
Bay Leaves (2): Adds complexity and a subtle earthy flavor.
Granulated Sugar (1 tsp, optional): Balances acidity if needed.
Salt & Pepper to Taste: Adjust as needed for a well-rounded flavor.
For the Pasta:
Spaghetti (½ lb): The perfect pasta choice for this dish, capturing the sauce in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, egg, Parmesan, onion, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Shape into 1-2 inch meatballs (a cookie scoop helps with uniform sizing).
Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
While the meatballs cook, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onions and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir to combine.
Add fresh basil, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
Bring to a simmer, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, and cover.
Let the sauce cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine the Meatballs & Sauce
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the sauce.
Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
Drain and toss the pasta in the sauce before serving.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Plate the pasta and top with meatballs and extra sauce.
Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for extra flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy this classic Italian comfort dish!
Tips for the Best Spaghetti & Meatballs
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley make a big difference in flavor.
Don't Overwork the Meatball Mixture: Mix until just combined to keep them tender.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: This enhances the flavor and keeps them juicy.
Salt Your Pasta Water: It should taste like the sea for perfectly seasoned pasta.
Make Extra: This dish tastes even better the next day!
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Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (1 lb)
- Egg (1 large)
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped)
- Salt (½ tsp) & Pepper (½ tsp)
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped)
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
- Onion (½ cup, diced)
- Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced)
- Diced Tomatoes (15 oz can)
- Tomato Sauce (8 oz can)
- Fresh Basil (2 tbsp, chopped)
- Bay Leaves (2)
- Granulated Sugar (1 tsp, optional)
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- Spaghetti (½ lb)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, egg, Parmesan, onion, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Shape into 1-2 inch meatballs (a cookie scoop helps with uniform sizing).
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs cook, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir to combine.
- Add fresh basil, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
- Bring to a simmer, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, and cover.
- Let the sauce cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and toss the pasta in the sauce before serving.
- Plate the pasta and top with meatballs and extra sauce.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy this classic Italian comfort dish!
Notes
Tips for the Best Spaghetti & Meatballs
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley make a big difference in flavor.
- Don't Overwork the Meatball Mixture: Mix until just combined to keep them tender.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: This enhances the flavor and keeps them juicy.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: It should taste like the sea for perfectly seasoned pasta.
- Make Extra: This dish tastes even better the next day!
This Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort. Whether you're making it for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, it's a dish that brings people together with every bite. Enjoy!
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