Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs

Introduction

Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs is a classic Italian-American comfort food that has stood the test of time. Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce are paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a dish that’s both rustic and elegant, making it perfect for casual family dinners or special gatherings.

This recipe captures everything we love about Italian-inspired cooking—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a sense of tradition. Once you make meatballs from scratch, you’ll see just how much better they taste compared to store-bought versions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor. The meatballs are soft and juicy, filled with herbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, then slowly simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce that soaks right into the pasta. It feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Another reason I adore this dish is its versatility—you can serve it family-style for a casual dinner, prepare it for a romantic date night, or even make a big batch for meal prep. It also reheats beautifully, which means leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Comfort Food: A beloved favorite around the world.
• Homemade Goodness: Freshly made meatballs beat frozen every time.
• Balanced Meal: Protein-rich meatballs with satisfying pasta.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike can’t resist it.
• Customizable: Can be adapted with different meats, sauces, and toppings.

Time, Servings, and Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories (approx.): 550 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main dish

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (or all beef if preferred)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix meatball ingredients, shape into balls, and sear until browned.
2. Prepare sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then simmer with tomatoes and herbs.
3. Add meatballs to sauce and cook until tender.
4. Cook spaghetti, then serve with sauce and meatballs.
5. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Prepare Meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix gently until just combined (don’t overwork).
   • Roll into 1 ½-inch balls.
2. Sear Meatballs:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sear meatballs on all sides until browned (about 5–6 minutes). They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook Meatballs in Sauce:
   • Add browned meatballs into the simmering sauce.
   • Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked through and sauce thickens.
5. Cook Pasta:
   • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain.
6. Assemble & Serve:
   • Plate spaghetti, top with sauce and meatballs.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve hot with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete Italian meal.
• Top with extra Parmesan or even mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
• Pair with red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) for an authentic Italian dining experience.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—this keeps them tender.
• Use fresh herbs if possible for the best flavor.
• If sauce is too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar.
• For extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the sauce.

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use lean ground poultry for a lighter version.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball.
• Spicy Meatballs: Add red chili flakes to the meat mixture or sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
• Baked Meatballs: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of pan-searing.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs for handling meatballs

Conclusion

Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs is a dish that truly embodies comfort, tradition, and flavor. The tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create a timeless meal that’s always a hit. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a dinner party, or just craving a hearty homemade dish, this recipe is a must-try. Once you experience the richness of homemade meatballs simmered in sauce, you’ll never want to go back to frozen or pre-made versions again.

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Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 6 Calories: 550 kcal

Description

Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs is a classic Italian-American comfort food that has stood the test of time. Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce are paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• ½ lb (225 g)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Meatballs : In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overwork). Roll into 1 ½-inch balls.
2. Sear Meatballs : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned (about 5–6 minutes). They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Sauce : In the same skillet, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook Meatballs in Sauce : Add browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked through and sauce thickens.
5. Cook Pasta : Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain.
6. Assemble & Serve : Plate spaghetti, top with sauce and meatballs. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.

Keywords: Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs