Spaghetti and Meatballs

This classic spaghetti dish features tender noodles tossed in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and a hint of spice. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh Parmesan, and parsley, it’s a simple yet satisfying Italian favorite.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

A comforting Italian classic featuring juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 539 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Large skillet For cooking meatballs
  • 1 Mixing bowl For meatball mix

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for frying

For the Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 1 tbsp dried basil or use fresh
  • 1/2 tbsp salt
  • 1/4 tbsp pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar optional, to taste

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti cooked al dente
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and form into balls (~1½ inches).
  • Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides over medium heat (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil, sauté onions until soft, then add garlic. Pour in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  • Simmer Together: Add meatballs to sauce. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
  • Boil Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Serve: Plate spaghetti, top with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use a mix of ground beef and pork for even juicier meatballs.
  • Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for deeper flavor.
Keyword classic Italian, comfort food, meatballs, pasta, spaghetti