If you are searching for a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and delight to your table, this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, juicy meatballs with a rich, savory tomato sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a timeless dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this recipe is straightforward yet full of flavor, making it a true favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from the foundation of the meatballs to the vibrant tomato sauce and al dente spaghetti. Simple, accessible, and packed with flavor, the ingredients together create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta base that carries the sumptuous sauce and meatballs beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps nicely brown the meatballs and sweat the onions, boosting flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses both sauce and meatballs with aromatic warmth.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, delivering rich, tangy flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Provides a fragrant herbal note that complements the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness to balance the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a hint of spice for those who like a little kick.
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef: The tender protein base for hearty, juicy meatballs.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them light yet firm.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth and richness.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the flavor inside the meatballs for extra punch.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Offers freshness and a hint of earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to bring out the best in your meat mixture.
How to Make Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Shape the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly so all ingredients are incorporated without overworking the meat. Then, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs—small enough to cook evenly but large enough to stay juicy.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides to seal in flavor and create a golden crust. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside—don’t worry, they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften and sweeten the onion. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, creating the perfect flavor base for your tomato sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with dried basil, salt, black pepper, and if you like a touch of heat, red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This slow simmer helps meld the flavors into a rich, slightly thickened sauce that will hug each meatball and strand of spaghetti perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the sauce, nestling them gently into the simmering mixture. Let them cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmer allows the meatballs to finish cooking through while soaking up all of the delicious tomato flavors.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess water diluting the sauce when plated, then set aside, ready to be dressed with your homemade meatballs and sauce.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
Serve the meatballs and sauce over the steaming hot spaghetti. For an extra touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a bit of fresh parsley if you have some. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to impress and satisfy.
How to Serve Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving truly special, consider topping your dish with freshly grated Parmesan, which adds a salty, nutty finish, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh taste. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance richness, while a few red pepper flakes bring a subtle heat for adventurous eaters.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement rather than compete. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate, while garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add both color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs on skewers with some sauce drizzled atop for easy party eating. Alternatively, layer cooked spaghetti and meatballs in a casserole dish with extra cheese and bake until bubbly for a comforting twist on pasta night. Mini portions in appetizer cups work great for gatherings or game day treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store the meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container and the spaghetti separately to avoid mushiness. This way, you maintain the perfect texture when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this meal later, freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The spaghetti tends to become less appealing when frozen, so it’s best to prepare fresh pasta when ready to serve. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Reheat the spaghetti separately by briefly immersing it in boiling water or microwaving with a splash of water to restore its texture. Then, combine both for a delicious second helping.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative in this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. Just be sure not to overcook as it tends to dry out faster, and you might want to add a bit of extra moisture such as a splash of milk or olive oil in the meatball mix.
What’s the best way to prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Using breadcrumbs and an egg as binders are key steps here. Mixing the ingredients gently without overworking the meat also helps. Browning the meatballs on all sides before adding them to the sauce creates a crust that holds them together during simmering.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free spaghetti. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy this classic dish without worry.
How can I make the sauce taste richer?
Simmering the sauce slowly allows flavors to develop, but you can also enrich it by adding a splash of red wine, a teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity, or even a pat of butter stirred in at the end for silky texture and deeper flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after cooking?
Definitely. The meatballs and sauce freeze wonderfully and retain flavor well. For best results, freeze them separately from the spaghetti to avoid sogginess. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to ensure even temperature throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a genuine delight that brings smiles with every bite. It’s approachable, satisfying, and wonderfully flexible, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own—you’ll find it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen before long.
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
Description
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe combines tender homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. A comforting classic Italian-inspired dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
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
For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, ensuring a nice crust forms. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the pan with the tomato sauce. Let them simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and top it with the simmered meatballs and sauce. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your hearty, delicious meal!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried basil if available.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when browning meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated and stored for up to 3 days.
