If you have ever wanted a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich, tomatoey sauce, all served over al dente spaghetti. Whether you are gathering with loved ones or simply craving a wholesome meal, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that deliver incredible flavor without fuss. From the first bite to the last, you’ll find yourself smiling and craving seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As you get started, you’ll find the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture. From the savory meatballs to the fragrant sauce, everything comes together beautifully with fresh and pantry staples.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Choose your favorite brand for a perfect pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a smooth sauté that brings out the onion’s sweetness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild, aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a lovely punch of flavor and depth to both meatballs and sauce.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce with vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a touch of herby brightness and classic Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle heat and spice kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle warmth if you love a little spice.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein, juicy and flavorful when made into meatballs.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs tender and moist without falling apart.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory richness and a slight nuttiness inside the meatballs.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for meatballs): Intensifies the garlic flavor, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Fresh and bright, lifting the flavor profile with green notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust for ultimate seasoning in your meatballs.
How to Make Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly combined—this ensures every meatball is packed with flavor and stays tender as it cooks. Then shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs to get that perfect bite-sized portion.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Place the meatballs carefully and brown on all sides, which locks in flavor and gives the exterior a beautiful golden crust. Once evenly browned, remove them and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks sweetness and depth. Next, add minced garlic and cook for just one minute to avoid bitterness while releasing its fragrance.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Spices
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce will thicken and develop complexity as it gently bubbles, marrying all the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the sauce, nestling them in gently. Let them simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes so they cook through and absorb the rich tomato flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, ready to serve as the perfect base for your meatballs and sauce.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
Dish out the spaghetti, ladle over a generous helping of meatballs and sauce, and get ready to enjoy a soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and vibrant chopped parsley on top works wonders, giving the dish a lovely finishing touch that’s as pretty as it is flavorful. The cheese adds creaminess, while the parsley adds freshness that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Complement your Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe with a simple crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic toasted bread that’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce. For a heartier accompaniment, steamed or roasted vegetables add a healthy crunch and extra color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next dinner, try serving the meatballs on individual plates arranged over pasta nests, or layer them in a casserole dish topped with mozzarella and bake briefly for a gooey Italian bake. You can also swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to suit different tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate if possible to retain its texture and avoid it soaking up too much sauce.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Place cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. You can thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the meatballs stay tender. If reheating pasta together, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and keep everything moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to not overcook the meatballs since turkey can dry out faster than beef.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can try substituting the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or use mushrooms and lentils to create flavorful meatless balls that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day before and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook and add them to the sauce when ready to serve.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Traditional spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can use any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine that you love. The essential thing is to cook it al dente to hold up under the sauce and meatballs.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce uncovered longer to reduce excess liquid, or add a spoonful of tomato paste to intensify thickness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is like inviting a little bit of joy and comfort into your kitchen. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just classic flavors done right. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing this delicious dish as much as I do—it’s sure to become a new family favorite that brings everyone together around the table.
Print
Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe combines tender homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. A classic, comforting Italian-American dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti and Sauce:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the sauce. Let everything simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and top with meatballs and plenty of sauce. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free alternatives if needed.
- To enhance flavor, let the sauce simmer longer if time permits.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
