Spaghetti and meatballs will make anyone smile. In the world of pasta dinners, spaghetti and meatballs can be overlooked in favor of more exciting options. If you’re looking for classic, no-frills spaghetti and meatballs, then you’ve come to the right place. Make this as-is for the best-ever version of this classic dish, or feel free to use it as a base to experiment with and make your own.
There’s a reason spaghetti and meatballs have been a family favorite for generations. It’s comforting, satisfying, and hits all the right flavor notes: savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe combines ground beef and pork to create meatballs that are juicy and full of flavor, while the homemade sauce simmers to a sweet, savory perfection. It’s not just food, it’s nostalgia on a plate, a dish that makes everyone feel at home.
Yields Prep Time Cook & Prep Time
8 servings 30min 1hr 30min
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
📌3/4 lb. ground beef
📌3/4 lb. ground pork
📌3/4 cup fine breadcrumbs
📌2 whole eggs
📌3 cloves garlic, minced
📌3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
📌1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, minced
📌1/2 cup olive oil
📌1/4 tsp. salt
📌Freshly ground black pepper
📌Splash of milk
For the sauce and pasta:
🔰1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes
🔰1 whole yellow onion, diced
🔰3 cloves garlic, minced
🔰1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
🔰1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, minced
🔰Freshly ground black pepper
🔰1/4 tsp. salt
🔰2 lb. spaghetti, cooked to al dente
🔰1 tsp. sugar
🔰1/2 cup white or red wine (optional)
🔰Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
🔰8 whole fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Directions
Step 1:
First, to make the meatballs: combine the meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and a splash of milk in a mixing bowl. Mix together well, using your hands. Roll into 25 1½-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet into the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up.
Step 2:
Then, to brown the meatballs, heat the olive oil in a heavy pot or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, about eight at a time, turning to brown on all sides (they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate after each batch.
Step 3:
After that, in the same pot, add the onions and garlic and cook for a few minutes, or until translucent. Pour in crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes with their juices, and wine, if using. Add the red pepper flakes, parsley, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.
Step 4:
Add the meatballs to the pot and stir gently into the sauce. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring a couple of times.
Step 5:
Just before serving, stir in the basil, if using. Serve overcooked spaghetti and sprinkle with extra parmesan.
Secrets to Juicy, Flavorful Meatballs
The best trick to perfect meatballs is a few simple steps that make a huge difference. Using both beef and pork gives the meatballs extra richness and moisture. Adding breadcrumbs and a splash of milk ensures they stay tender while cooking. Don’t skip browning them first! This step locks in flavor and creates a nice crust, so even after simmering in the sauce, they hold together beautifully.
Sauce Tips That Elevate the Dish
The sauce is where this dish truly shines. So, cooking onions and garlic until translucent releases natural sweetness, which blends perfectly with the acidity of the crushed and whole tomatoes. A touch of sugar balances the flavors, and adding parsley, basil, or even a splash of wine adds depth. Simmering the sauce slowly allows all the ingredients to marry together, creating a rich, fragrant tomato sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. If you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a subtle way to add warmth without overpowering the dish.
How to Serve & Enjoy
This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Serve it with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan and a side of garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables makes it a complete meal. Don’t rush, let the flavors shine, and take your time serving. Watching everyone dig in and enjoy is one of the best parts of cooking this classic dish.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. Swap spaghetti for rigatoni, or zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. Add finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots to the meat mixture for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme in the sauce.
Additional Tips & Tricks
- Be careful when frying the meatballs as they can fall apart if you’re not gentle.
- Browning the meatballs first is important because it adds flavour to the dish.
Try this delicious recipe, and leave me your thoughts down there. I really like to read them all.
If you loved this Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe, don't forget to try our Tomato Pasta recipe too.