Introduction: A Bowl of Comfort — Spaghetti and Meatballs
There are some dishes that instantly transport you to a place of warmth, family, and laughter. For me, Spaghetti and Meatballs is one of those dishes. 🍝❤️
I still remember Sunday evenings at my grandmother’s house. The smell of simmering tomato sauce filled every corner, and a giant pot of spaghetti bubbled on the stove. The real magic, though, happened when the meatballs went into the sauce—juicy, flavorful, and slowly soaking up that rich tomato goodness.
Spaghetti and Meatballs is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a romantic date night, or a big gathering with friends, it always brings smiles. And while it may sound fancy, it’s actually super simple to make from scratch.
Today, I’m going to walk you through my foolproof, beginner-friendly recipe for homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs. The meatballs are tender, the sauce is rich and savory, and the pasta ties it all together beautifully. Let’s get cooking!
📝 Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs
This recipe serves about 4–6 people. It uses classic pantry staples, and I’ll also give you easy substitutions to suit different dietary preferences.
🧆 For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork (optional but adds amazing flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp milk (makes the meatballs tender)
🍅 For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce or passata
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for finishing)
🍝 For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- Salted water, for boiling
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
🌿 Substitution & Dietary Options:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta. The sauce and meatballs adapt easily.
- Dairy-Free: Skip Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Vegan: Replace meat with plant-based ground “meat,” use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water), and vegan cheese.
- Healthier Option: Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add extra herbs for flavor!
👉 Pro Tip: A mix of beef and pork gives the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs, but you can use just beef if you prefer.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Spaghetti and Meatballs from scratch might sound intimidating, but trust me—it’s straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to do it step by step:
🧆 Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and milk.
Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture, or your meatballs may become dense.
👉 Pro Tip: Lightly oil your hands when rolling the meatballs to keep them from sticking.
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball). You should get 18–20 meatballs.
🔥 Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5–6 minutes total.
You don’t need to cook them through—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove and set aside on a plate.
👉 Pro Tip: Browning the meatballs creates those flavorful bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan, which will make your sauce taste amazing.
🍅 Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan (don’t clean it!), add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir well, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
🧆 Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce
Gently nestle the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
👉 Pro Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, uncover and let it simmer a bit longer.
🍝 Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
🍽 Step 6: Combine & Serve
You have two options here:
- Toss the spaghetti directly into the sauce with the meatballs for a classic, fully combined dish.
- Serve the pasta separately and spoon the sauce and meatballs on top for a more traditional restaurant-style presentation.
Top with fresh basil and generous shavings of Parmesan cheese. 🧀
🌟 Extra Tips for the Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Add a side of garlic bread to soak up every drop of that sauce.
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Pair with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a perfect dinner.
🧊 Storage & Reheating:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Spaghetti and Meatballs freeze beautifully! Freeze meatballs and sauce together in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Top with fresh mozzarella before serving and broil for 2 minutes.
- Herb Lovers: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or extra basil for deeper flavor.
- Mini Meatballs: Make smaller meatballs for kids or party appetizers.
📊 Nutritional Information
(Based on Feel Good Foodie’s photo reference, approximate per serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Sugar: 8g
These numbers will vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes you use.
❓ FAQ Section
⏱ How long does it take to make Spaghetti and Meatballs?
The entire recipe takes about 45–50 minutes from start to finish, including simmering time.
🔄 Can I substitute beef or pork?
Yes! You can use just beef, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor, but all work well.
❄️ Can I freeze Spaghetti and Meatballs?
Definitely. The meatballs and sauce freeze perfectly for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. I recommend freezing the pasta separately to avoid sogginess.
🥰 Conclusion: A Classic Worth Mastering
There you have it — Spaghetti and Meatballs, the ultimate comfort food. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Once you try homemade meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
Whether you’re serving this dish for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a regular Tuesday night, it always delivers warmth and satisfaction. 🍝❤️
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, give it a ⭐ rating, and share it with your fellow pasta lovers. And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram — nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations.
Mangia! 🇮🇹✨