Spaghetti with Classic Italian Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

Introduction

Few dishes represent comfort and tradition quite like a plate of spaghetti with classic Italian meatballs and marinara sauce. This dish combines tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a timeless recipe that originated from Italian-American kitchens, becoming one of the most beloved family meals worldwide.

The combination of al dente pasta, flavorful meatballs, and a slow-simmered marinara makes this recipe truly special. It’s hearty, satisfying, and always brings people together around the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the definition of comfort food. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, with the perfect balance of herbs, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. The marinara sauce is rich, garlicky, and slightly sweet from slow-cooked tomatoes. When tossed with spaghetti, it creates a dish that feels homely yet indulgent.

It’s a recipe that works for family dinners, date nights, or even special gatherings. I also love how versatile it is—leftovers taste even better the next day, and the meatballs can be used in sandwiches or served on their own.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A classic Italian-American staple that never goes out of style.
• Combines comfort, flavor, and tradition in every bite.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
• It’s a dish that brings a sense of warmth, family, and celebration.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6 portions
• Calories: ~560 calories per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork (or substitute with beef)
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (soaked in ¼ cup milk)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Pasta:

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

Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make and shape meatballs.
2. Brown meatballs in olive oil.
3. Prepare marinara sauce and simmer.
4. Add browned meatballs to the sauce and cook through.
5. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
6. Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs, sauce, and Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, egg, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently until combined (don’t overmix or meatballs will be tough).
• Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 20–24 meatballs).

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides (about 5 minutes).
• Transfer browned meatballs to a plate (they will finish cooking in the sauce).

Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce

• In the same pot, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
• Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

• Add browned meatballs to the marinara sauce.
• Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

• In a large pot, boil water with salt.
• Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 9–10 minutes).
• Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

• Place spaghetti on plates, top with meatballs and marinara sauce.
• Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep pasta bowls.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and torn basil.
• Pair with garlic bread and a green salad for a full meal.
• A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements it beautifully.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of beef and pork for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
• Don’t skip soaking breadcrumbs in milk—it keeps meatballs tender.
• Simmer sauce gently; the longer it cooks, the richer the flavor.
• Make extra sauce—it freezes beautifully and works for pizza or lasagna too.

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs – lighter but still delicious.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs – hide a cube of mozzarella in the center.
• Spicy Version – add extra chili flakes to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free – use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Meatballs: Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 3 months.
• Freezing Sauce: Marinara sauce alone freezes up to 4 months.
• To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl (for meatballs)
• Large skillet or Dutch oven (for browning & sauce)
• Pasta pot & colander
• Wooden spoon for stirring

Conclusion

Spaghetti with Classic Italian Meatballs and Marinara Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, tradition, and rich flavors to your table. With juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a homemade tomato sauce and served over al dente spaghetti, this dish is a true classic for all occasions.