Best Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs

The aroma of simmering marinara sauce combined with the comforting scent of garlic bread baking in the oven can evoke childhood memories of family dinners. Best Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs is a beloved classic that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The secret to its success lies in the juicy meatballs that soak up the rich sauce while resting atop a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti.

This recipe is ideal for families and anyone craving a hearty meal. It’s perfect for cozy evenings and can easily be doubled to feed a crowd or prepped in advance for busy nights ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, juicy meatballs blend beautifully with rich marinara.
• Fresh herbs elevate the flavor of the simple sauce.
• Garlic bread adds a crispy contrast to the tender spaghetti.
• It’s quick and easy, ready in about 30 minutes.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create this delightful dish.

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) canned tomatoes
• 1 tsp basil, dried
• 1 tsp oregano, dried
• 1 tsp sugar

For the Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti

For Serving

• Garlic bread, for serving
• Caesar salad, for serving

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground beef or pork can be swapped for turkey.
• Fresh herbs can replace dried ones.
• Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti.
• Grated cheese can be replaced with nutritional yeast.

How to Make It

Here’s how to create your plate of spaghetti and meatballs in just a few easy steps.

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Boil water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.

2. Prepare the Meatballs

In a bowl, mix ground meat, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into balls and set aside.

3. Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

In another pan, sauté the chopped onions and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add canned tomatoes, basil, oregano, and sugar; simmer to create the marinara sauce for 10 minutes.

5. Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Once the meatballs are browned, add them to the marinara sauce and let them simmer for an additional 10 minutes until cooked through.

6. Serve the Dish

Serve the meatballs and sauce over the drained spaghetti, alongside garlic bread and Caesar salad.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not overcrowd the pan while browning meatballs; it prevents even cooking.
• Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for richer flavor.
• Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant taste.
• Feel free to adjust herbs according to your preference for stronger or milder flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of garlic bread for extra flavor.
• Add a fresh Caesar salad for a refreshing crunch.
• Perfect for weekend family dinners or casual get-togethers.