Irresistible Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe for Dinner Bliss

There’s something magical about a steaming plate of spaghetti and meatballs that instantly transports you to the heart of Italy. The aroma of rich tomato sauce mingling with savory herbs tantalizes your senses, while tender meatballs nestled atop perfectly cooked pasta create a comforting embrace that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this spaghetti and meatballs recipe promises an explosion of flavors and textures that will have you dreaming of Italian countryside vistas.

As I twirled spaghetti around my fork at my grandmother’s kitchen table, I couldn’t help but think we were experiencing culinary magic. Each bite was an echo of laughter, love, and the occasional food fight that ended with sauce splattered on the walls. So, grab your fork and get ready for a delightful journey through flavor town. This dish brings joy to any occasion; whether it’s a rainy day pick-me-up or a gathering with friends, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: About 12 ounces is ideal for four servings; choose high-quality pasta for the best texture.

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 blend for juicy meatballs; leaner options can yield drier results.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness; use flat-leaf for more robust flavor.

• Eggs: One large egg acts as a binder in your meat mixture; make sure it’s fresh.

For the Sauce:

• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Look for fire-roasted varieties to enhance depth; they work wonders in your sauce.

• Onion: A medium onion finely chopped brings sweetness; sauté until translucent to unlock flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic goodness; never underestimate its power in cooking!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Getting Started with Meatballs

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork it or your meatballs may turn tough!

Shaping the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part: shaping those little flavor bombs! Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and scoop about two tablespoons of meat mixture into your palm. Roll into balls about the size of golf balls—perfectly round is overrated!

Baking Those Beauties

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. The delightful aroma will start wafting through your kitchen—consider it a culinary hug.

Making the Sauce

While those little gems are baking away like champs, let’s whip up that luscious sauce! In a large saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil along with chopped onions. Sauté until they glisten and become translucent—about five minutes should do.

Adding Flavorful Elements

Next up: add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute). Pour in your crushed tomatoes along with dried oregano, basil, sugar (to balance acidity), salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently while you stir occasionally—this allows all those flavors to mingle like old friends at a reunion.

Combining It All Together

Once those meatballs are finished baking (and you’ve resisted eating them all), gently place them into the simmering sauce. Allow them to bubble together for another five minutes so they soak up all that luscious goodness.

Cooking Your Spaghetti

While everything simmers away happily together, bring another pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti once boiling and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about eight minutes should suffice.

Plating Up

Drain your spaghetti but remember not to rinse—it needs that starchy coating! Serve it in bowls topped generously with meatballs and sauce—don’t forget extra Parmesan if you’re feeling cheesy!

Enjoying Your Masterpiece

Take a moment before diving in—appreciate how beautiful your creation looks! Grab that fork and twirl some spaghetti around before savoring each mouthful. Trust me; one bite will transport you straight into an Italian trattoria where every meal feels like a celebration!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best results, start by browning the meatballs in a skillet. While they sizzle away, cook your spaghetti in a pot of boiling water. Once the pasta is al dente, bring everything together with your homemade sauce for a delicious finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can swap traditional beef for turkey or even veggies for a lighter version. Make it yours; creativity is key!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep everything moist and delicious.

Sometimes I think back to that one family gathering where my spaghetti and meatballs stole the show, making me the unofficial family chef—who knew I had it in me?

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for a Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?

To make a classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe, you will need ground beef or a mix of meats, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, and Parmesan cheese for the meatballs. For the sauce, gather canned tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano. Lastly, don’t forget the spaghetti pasta itself! This combination ensures that your dish is flavorful and satisfying.

How long does it take to cook Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Cooking spaghetti and meatballs typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Start by preparing the meatballs; this usually takes around 15 minutes for mixing and shaping. While frying or baking them for 20 minutes, you can simultaneously cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water. The sauce can simmer while these components cook to enhance the flavor. Overall, with some multitasking, you can have your meal ready in under an hour.

Can I use turkey instead of beef in my Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?

Yes! You can absolutely use turkey instead of beef for your spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Ground turkey offers a leaner alternative that still provides great flavor when seasoned properly. To ensure juiciness in your meatballs, consider adding an extra egg or some moisture-rich ingredients like grated zucchini or mushrooms. This substitution will keep your meal lighter while still being delicious.

How can I store leftovers from my Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?

To store leftovers from your spaghetti and meatballs recipe effectively, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it refrigerated for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags; they can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or microwave.

Conclusion for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe :

In conclusion, preparing a homemade spaghetti and meatballs recipe is both delightful and straightforward. By selecting quality ingredients and following simple steps, you can create a comforting dish that celebrates traditional flavors. Remember to balance your meatball mixture with seasoning for maximum taste and ensure your sauce simmers well to enhance its richness. With these tips in mind, enjoy sharing this beloved meal with family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Spaghetti and Meatballs

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spaghetti and meatballs is a beloved Italian classic that brings comfort to any dining table. This recipe features al dente spaghetti topped with juicy, homemade meatballs simmered in a savory tomato sauce, creating a delightful blend of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until browned.
5. While baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat; sauté onions until translucent.
6. Add garlic; cook until fragrant.
7. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 10 minutes.
8. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and let simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain (do not rinse).
10. Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg