Description
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that is simple to make and always a family favorite. Tender meatballs in a flavorful tomato sauce served over al dente spaghetti – a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined. Roll into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 16–18 total).
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through.
- Cook the spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti. Top with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15–20 minutes instead of simmering in the sauce.
- Make a double batch and freeze extras for a quick dinner later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
