The rich aroma of simmering meatballs mingled with fresh herbs and garlic is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Honestly, the first time I made this ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe, I was transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom would prepare it on special occasions. The comforting combination of tender meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a vibrant marinara sauce is simply unbeatable!
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or just to indulge yourself, this recipe never disappoints. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies if you’re looking for a healthier twist. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a classic? So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for various occasions. Let me share why you’ll adore it:
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now—no fancy grocery trips needed!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a cozy date night, or a festive gathering, this recipe shines.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about it—no one can resist those meatballs!
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of flavors is pure comfort food bliss.
This isn’t just any spaghetti and meatballs; it’s my go-to version that I’ve perfected over the years. The secret lies in the blend of herbs and spices, which gives the meatballs incredible depth. Plus, the sauce is made from scratch, ensuring it’s bursting with fresh flavors. You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe close at hand!
Ingredients Needed
This ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (preferably Italian)
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces or 800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
- Water and salt (for boiling)
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and you can use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. I personally love using a high-quality canned tomato for the sauce; it makes a significant difference!
Equipment Needed
To whip up this ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Slotted spoon
- Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful for perfect meatballs)
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, don’t sweat it! Just make sure your meatballs are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color. I’ve found that using a heavy-bottomed pan helps to achieve that perfect sear!
Preparation Method
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer them to a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the sauce and cover. Let them simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to cook through.
- Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), serve them over the spaghetti. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired!
The key to this recipe is allowing the meatballs to simmer in the sauce. This step ensures they soak up all that delightful flavor, which makes a world of difference!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Here are some tips to ensure your ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe turns out perfectly:
- Don’t Overmix: When forming the meatballs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality meat can elevate your dish significantly.
- Simmer Time: The longer you let the meatballs simmer in the sauce, the better they’ll taste! If you have time, let them simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe freezes well! Make extra meatballs and store them in the freezer for a quick meal later.
Variations & Adaptations
This ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe is incredibly adaptable! Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a meatless version.
- Different Sauces: Try a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a rich twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat, or mix in diced jalapeños.
I once experimented by adding chopped spinach to the meatball mixture for extra nutrition, and it turned out fantastic! Feel free to get creative!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serving this ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe is all about presentation:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
- You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce together for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
The flavors will continue to develop in the fridge, making it taste even better the next day!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
This ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe offers a balanced meal packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Here’s a quick overview:
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 per serving (including pasta)
- Protein: High in protein from the meatballs
- Carbs: Provides energy from the spaghetti
- Vitamins: Tomatoes and herbs offer essential vitamins and antioxidants
It’s a satisfying meal that can fit into a balanced diet, especially when paired with a side of veggies!
Conclusion
This ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I hope you give it a shot and tailor it to your tastes—add your favorite herbs or spices!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment about your experience or any variations you tried. Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow pasta lovers. Happy cooking!
FAQs
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
- What can I serve with spaghetti and meatballs? A fresh garden salad and garlic bread complement it perfectly!
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or linguine.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
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Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This ultimate spaghetti and meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a vibrant marinara sauce for a comforting meal. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Water and salt (for boiling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer them to a plate.
- In the same pan, add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Return the browned meatballs to the sauce and cover. Let them simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to cook through.
- While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F), serve them over the spaghetti. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired!
Notes
Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for better flavor. You can freeze the meatballs and sauce together for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of spaghetti with meatballs
- Calories: 450500
Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, Italian, comfort food, easy recipe
