Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a beloved comfort food that combines tender, juicy meatballs with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a rich, savoury tomato sauce. This dish is a staple in Italian cuisine and has become a favourite in homes around the world due to its hearty flavours, satisfying textures, and the nostalgic feeling it brings to the dinner table.
The meatballs are seasoned with a combination of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, giving them a depth of flavour that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy tomato sauce. The spaghetti provides a soft, tender base that absorbs the sauce and complements the meatballs perfectly. This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks, allowing you to recreate the comforting flavours of a classic Italian meal without any complicated techniques.
Whether served for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a special occasion, Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that is both flavourful and visually appealing. The aroma of simmering sauce and herbs fills the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes the dish as comforting as it is delicious
Why You Need This Recipe
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is essential for anyone who loves traditional Italian cuisine and hearty, satisfying meals. It combines protein, carbohydrates, and rich flavours in a single dish, making it ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining. The combination of perfectly seasoned meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and tender spaghetti is a universally loved flavour profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
This recipe is also highly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings in the meatballs, add vegetables to the sauce, or use whole wheat or gluten free spaghetti to suit dietary preferences. It is a reliable, crowd pleasing recipe that delivers consistent results, making it a go to option for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep. The comforting aroma and familiar flavours make it a recipe you will return to again and again
Ingredients
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe uses fresh ingredients that are simple, accessible, and combine to create a rich, flavourful dish. Quality ingredients ensure tender meatballs, a savoury sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti.
Ingredients List
- Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- Bread crumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic minced
- Onion finely chopped
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped
- Spaghetti
- Water for boiling pasta
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
These ingredients work together to produce juicy meatballs, a thick, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti that absorbs the sauce beautifully
How to Prepare
To prepare Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe, start by making the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix gently until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, saute additional garlic and onion until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped basil or parsley, and seasonings. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Carefully return the meatballs to the sauce and allow them to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes so the flavours meld and the meatballs cook through completely.
While the sauce and meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, and optionally garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs
Cooking Time
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe requires adequate time for browning, simmering, and pasta preparation
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Meatball Browning Time: 10 to 15 minutes
- Sauce Simmering Time: 20 to 30 minutes
- Pasta Cooking Time: 10 to 12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Simmering the sauce with meatballs allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures tender, flavorful meatballs
Serving Suggestions
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs are best served hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or special occasions. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for lunch or dinner, and the flavours often deepen after sitting for a day, making it even more satisfying
Nutritional Information
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe provides a balanced meal with protein from the meatballs, carbohydrates from the spaghetti, and vitamins from fresh herbs and tomato sauce. A typical serving contains approximately 500 to 600 calories, depending on portion size and the amount of cheese or oil used.
The dish also delivers essential nutrients such as iron from the meat, vitamin C from tomatoes, and calcium from Parmesan cheese, making it a filling, satisfying, and moderately nourishing meal
Conclusion
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe combines tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. Its simple ingredients and approachable preparation make it ideal for home cooks seeking a traditional Italian dish. The combination of flavours, textures, and aromas makes it a beloved recipe for family dinners, special occasions, and casual weeknight meals
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
6
servings20
minutes40
minutes60
kcal1
hour10
minutesClassic Spaghetti and Meatballs is a timeless comfort food featuring tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This hearty and flavourful dish is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy homemade Italian style meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup milk
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
12 oz spaghetti
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, milk, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Return meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and serve topped with meatballs and sauce.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For extra tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use store bought meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, pre made meatballs can be used for convenience. Freshly made meatballs, however, provide a juicier texture and more robust flavor.
2. How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Use a mixture of bread crumbs, egg, and cheese to bind the meat. Handle the mixture gently and avoid over mixing to maintain tenderness.
3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, bake meatballs at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Baking is healthier and reduces splatter while still producing a flavorful crust.
