If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a rich, savory tomato sauce, all perfectly draped over a bed of golden spaghetti. It’s a classic Italian-American favorite that is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each element plays a key role, from the fresh herbs enhancing flavor to the spices that add just the right kick. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious meal to life:
- 12 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta base to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds depth and richness when sautéing the onions and browning the meatballs.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic background that mellows the tomato sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that classic Italian fragrance and flavor.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce—rich, thick, and bursting with tomato goodness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a fragrant herbal note that complements the tomatoes and meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle spicy kick if you like a bit of heat.
- 1 lb ground beef: The cornerstone of your meatballs, providing savory flavor and juiciness.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the meatballs with a salty, umami punch.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for meatballs): Gives the meatballs an extra layer of flavor depth.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, bright touch to the mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The finishing touch to perfectly season those meatballs.
How to Make Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. This blend is the secret to juicy, flavorful meatballs that stay tender while cooking. Once combined, gently shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep them light.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, giving them space so they brown beautifully all around. This step locks in their flavor and creates a gorgeous caramelized crust. Once they’re golden on all sides, remove the meatballs and set them aside for the next stage.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This builds a subtle sweetness that enriches the sauce. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant—this prevents any bitterness and infuses the oil with lovely aromas.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This slow cooking melds all the flavors and thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Cook Meatballs in Sauce
Return your browned meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce. Let them cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring gently now and then. This step lets the meatballs soak up the sauce’s flavors while finishing their cooking to juicy perfection.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs simmer, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside, ready to carry that beautiful sauce and meatballs.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Serve your tender meatballs and rich sauce piled lovingly over the steaming spaghetti. For an extra burst of flavor and color, top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This final touch makes the dish feel as special as it tastes.
How to Serve Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese elevate the dish visually and taste-wise. A little more black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can add layers of fresh flavor to your Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe experience.
Side Dishes
To balance the hearty pasta and meatballs, serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is a classic companion that complements the tomato sauce and makes the meal extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your meatballs on toasted baguette slices as appetizers or stacking the meatballs on spaghetti nests for a pretty presentation. You can also offer a spicy sprinkle of chili flakes on the side, letting everyone customize their plates to their own taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen after resting, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs separately or with sauce for up to three months. Just ensure they are completely cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. The spaghetti is best cooked fresh but can be frozen if wrapped tightly.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed meatballs gently in a saucepan over low heat, covered, until warmed through. To prevent the sauce from drying out, add a splash of water or broth as needed. Warm the pasta separately or toss it into the sauce and meatballs briefly to combine everything perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version. Just be mindful they tend to be leaner, so adding a bit of olive oil or breadcrumbs can help keep your meatballs moist and tender.
What’s the best way to keep meatballs from falling apart?
Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs well. Also, avoid overmixing the meat mixture—mix until just combined. Browning them gently rather than stirring too much in the pan also keeps them intact.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! You can swap meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based alternatives, or create delicious lentil or mushroom-based balls. Adjust cooking times as needed and use vegetable broth if adding any liquid to the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce uncovered to reduce excess liquid, which concentrates flavors and thickens it naturally. Adding a small amount of tomato paste while cooking also deepens the flavor and thickness.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly once cooked?
Yes, both meatballs and sauce freeze well. For best texture, freeze them separately from the spaghetti, and reheat gently. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy while preserving the overall dish quality.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a homemade Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. It’s a dish that invites everyone to sit down, relax, and enjoy time together over a simple yet incredible meal. With its straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you have all you need to create this comforting classic any night of the week. Go ahead, make this recipe your own family favorite—it truly doesn’t get better than this!
Print
Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. The dish combines savory ground beef meatballs with a flavorful garlic and onion tomato sauce, making it a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its fragrance, making sure not to burn it.
- Add the tomato sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in dried basil, salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the meatballs cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and spoon the meatballs and sauce over the top. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh parsley for a more vibrant taste and garnish.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
