SPAGHETTI MEATBALLS

A timeless classic! 🍝 Spaghetti and Meatballs is the ultimate comfort food — tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. Here’s a delicious from-scratch recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

🍝 Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

⏱️ Cook Time: 40 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4–6

📝 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Optional: splash of milk (1–2 tbsp) for extra tenderness

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti

• Salted water, for boiling

• Parmesan & fresh basil, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients.

2. Mix gently (don’t overwork the meat).

3. Roll into 1.5-inch balls (makes about 16–20).

4. Brown in a large skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat until golden on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.

🔹 2. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add olive oil, then sauté onion for 3–4 minutes.

2. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.

3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and optional sugar.

4. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, then gently nestle in the browned meatballs.

5. Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

🔹 3. Cook the Pasta

• While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions.

• Drain, but reserve ½ cup pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

🔹 4. Serve

• Toss cooked pasta with some of the sauce, or plate and top with meatballs and sauce.

• Garnish with Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.

🔄 Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs

• Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of pan-frying

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

• Make it a meatball sub by serving on toasted rolls with mozzarella!

Want a one-pot version, slow cooker method, or gluten-free adaptation?