Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe 🍝🍅🧆
This classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe features tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's an easy Italian-American family dinner that's comforting, hearty, and always a crowd favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Classic comfort food
Homemade meatballs
Family-friendly dinner
Perfect for Sunday supper
Great leftovers
Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
1 pound spaghetti
Parmesan cheese for serving
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl combine:
Ground beef
Ground pork
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese
Eggs
Garlic
Parsley
Italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper
Mix gently until combined.
Step 3
Roll into 1½-inch meatballs.
Place on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18–20 minutes until browned.
Step 4
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven.
Cook onion until softened.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Step 5
Add:
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Sugar
Italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper
Simmer 20 minutes.
Step 6
Add baked meatballs to the sauce.
Simmer another 20 minutes.
Step 7
Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
Drain.
Step 8
Serve spaghetti topped with sauce and meatballs.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Expert Tips
✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
✔ Simmer the meatballs in the sauce after baking to make them extra tender.
✔ Salt your pasta water generously for restaurant-quality pasta.
✔ Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining to help the sauce cling to the spaghetti.
Recipe Variations
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Cook the sauce and meatballs in the slow cooker for 6–8 hours on low.
Turkey Meatballs
Replace beef and pork with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
What to Serve With Spaghetti and Meatballs
Garlic Bread Recipe
Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Southern Green Beans Recipe
Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Storage
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What meat is best for homemade meatballs?
A combination of ground beef and ground pork creates the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs.
Should meatballs be baked or fried?
Baking is easier, less messy, and creates evenly cooked meatballs while keeping them tender.
Can spaghetti and meatballs be frozen?
Yes. Freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
How do you keep meatballs from falling apart?
Use eggs and breadcrumbs as binders and avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Learn More About Food Safety
Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for best quality.
Source: USDA Food Safety Guidelines
More Comfort Food Dinner Recipes
Lasagna
Million Dollar Spaghetti
American Chop Suey
Hamburger Helper
Beef Stroganoff
Homemade Meatloaf
Salisbury Steak