Spaghetti and meatballs is a dish that dances on your taste buds with its rich, savory flavors and comforting textures. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti around your fork, each strand coated in a luscious marinara sauce, while juicy meatballs burst with flavor in every bite. The aroma wafting from the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water and their stomach rumble in anticipation.
Growing up, my family always gathered around the dinner table for spaghetti and meatballs on Sunday nights. The laughter and chatter filled the air as we shared stories over heaping plates of this classic dish. It was more than just a meal; it was a cherished tradition that brought us together, and every bite feels like a warm hug from my childhood. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, spaghetti and meatballs promises an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Spaghetti and meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying harmony that everyone loves
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress at any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs or ingredient swaps!
Every time I serve this dish, my friends rave about how it takes them back to their own family dinners filled with love and laughter.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Spaghetti: Choose high-quality pasta for the best texture; al dente is key for the ultimate bite.
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Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
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Breadcrumbs: Opt for Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to add extra flavor without overwhelming the dish.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances the flavor profile and adds an irresistible umami kick.
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Eggs: Use one egg per pound of meat to bind everything together while keeping the meatballs moist.
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Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic elevates the flavor; you can never have too much garlic in Italian cooking!
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Canned Tomatoes: Look for whole peeled tomatoes; crushing them yourself gives better texture and taste.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil will enhance both the sauce and flavor of the meatballs.
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Herbs (Basil & Oregano): Fresh herbs bring brightness; dried herbs work too—just adjust quantities accordingly.
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Sugar: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes in the sauce perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop garlic finely so it releases its aromatic oils quickly while cooking.
Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil until evenly mixed but not overworked.
Form Meatballs: Roll mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly—no one likes unevenly cooked meatballs!
Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides (about 5-6 minutes). They don’t have to be fully cooked; they’ll finish in the sauce.
Create Marinara Sauce: In another pot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add canned tomatoes (crushed), sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently place the browned meatballs into your bubbling marinara sauce. Let them simmer together for 20-25 minutes so they absorb all that delicious flavor!
Enjoy these steps as you create your masterpiece! Cooking should be fun and filled with joy—just like family gatherings around spaghetti and meatballs!
You Must Know
- Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe allows for plenty of customization
- The aroma of simmering sauce and the sizzle of meatballs will make your kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the meatballs first, allowing them to cook while you prepare the sauce and pasta. This method saves time and ensures everything is hot and ready together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap beef for turkey or add herbs like basil or oregano to elevate flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also spice things up!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When mixing meatball ingredients, avoid overmixing; it makes them tough
- Let sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavors
- Always taste as you go to ensure the perfect balance of seasonings
Sharing spaghetti and meatballs with friends always brings back memories of laughter around the table, where everyone fights over the last meatball—spoiler alert: I usually lose!
FAQ
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in meatballs?
Try oats or crushed crackers as gluten-free alternatives.
Can I freeze spaghetti and meatballs?
Yes, they freeze well. Just store them separately for best results.
What’s the best way to serve spaghetti and meatballs?
Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce perfectly complement al dente spaghetti, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. Whether for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to evoke nostalgia and warmth, bringing family and friends together around the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by chopping garlic finely.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and olive oil until mixed.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides (about 5-6 minutes).
- For the marinara sauce, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add crushed canned tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano; simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
- Gently place the meatballs into the sauce and let them simmer for 20-25 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 330g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
