Name: Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ cup bread crumbs; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying); 24 ounces pasta sauce; 12 ounces spaghetti pasta, cooked

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Get ready for a dinnertime classic that’s sure to bring everyone to the table with enthusiasm: Spaghetti and Meatballs! This beloved comfort food is the kind of dish that delivers big flavors, hearty satisfaction, and a dose of nostalgia, all in one bowl. Tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a rich tomato sauce, served over a twirl of perfectly cooked spaghetti — it doesn’t get much better than this. Whether you’re cooking for family night or entertaining friends, this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds and begging for your secret!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spaghetti and Meatballs is all about making the most out of just a handful of simple ingredients. Each item here plays a starring role — bringing savory depth, irresistible texture, and vibrant color to a meal that truly tastes like home.

Ground beef: The backbone of deeply flavorful, tender meatballs. Choose 80/20 for the perfect mix of moisture and taste.
Bread crumbs: These give your meatballs structure and help them stay juicy, never dry.
Milk: Adds moisture to the meatball mixture and keeps everything melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Onion (finely chopped): For a gentle sweetness and savory bite that infuses right into the meatballs.
Garlic (minced): Because what’s Italian-American food without a little garlicky goodness?
Parmesan cheese (grated): For a salty, nutty background flavor no one can resist.
Large egg: Acts as the binder so your beautiful meatballs hold together perfectly.
Salt: Just the right amount wakes up all the rich, hearty flavors.
Ground black pepper: For a hint of warmth and depth.
Vegetable oil: Ensures an even sear so your meatballs have a lovely crust.
Pasta sauce: The luscious, tomato-rich blanket for your meatballs — choose your favorite jarred or homemade version.
Spaghetti pasta (cooked): The classic base, cooked al dente so it soaks up all the saucy goodness.

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Combine the Meatball Mixture

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl — you want plenty of room to work magic. Add the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a fork. The goal here is to evenly distribute the seasonings and moisture, but don’t over-mix or your meatballs could turn out tough. You want a mixture that’s just cohesive but still airy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part. Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs approximately one-and-a-half inches in diameter. If you like, you can use a small cookie scoop to help portion them evenly. Place the finished meatballs on a tray or plate as you go. Try not to pack them too tightly; loosely rolled meatballs stay gloriously tender and juicy.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for 5–7 minutes, turning gently so they brown all around. You’re not cooking them through yet — just building that irresistible, golden-brown crust that adds flavor and keeps all the juiciness inside.

Step 4: Simmer in Tomato Sauce

Once all meatballs are browned, return them to the skillet and pour in your pasta sauce. Reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on, and let everything simmer together for 10–15 minutes. The sauce will infuse every meatball with rich, tomatoey flavor, and finish them off to tender perfection. Give a gentle stir now and then to keep anything from sticking.

Step 5: Cook and Serve the Spaghetti

Cook your spaghetti according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture so it stands up nicely to the saucy meatballs. Drain well, then serve hot pasta topped generously with meatballs and plenty of that luscious sauce. Don’t forget extra Parmesan at the table — it’s practically mandatory!

How to Serve Spaghetti and Meatballs

Garnishes

For that authentic restaurant-style finish, sprinkle your Spaghetti and Meatballs with a snow shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of chopped parsley or basil. The cheese adds salty richness while the fresh herbs bring a burst of color and lightness, making every plate look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Spaghetti and Meatballs with a crusty loaf of garlic bread — perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Add a simple green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. If you want to go all out, serve with roasted vegetables or a classic antipasto platter to create a truly unforgettable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, swirl spaghetti into little nests and arrange a meatball in the center of each before spooning over sauce. Or serve family-style: pile the pasta and meatballs onto a big platter and let everyone dig in. Kids love mini meatball sliders on soft buns, and leftovers make amazing next-day hoagies or even pizza toppings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spaghetti and Meatballs is almost better the next day! Let everything cool completely, then store pasta and meatballs (in sauce) together in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld as they rest, so you’ll look forward to tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, making weeknight dinners a breeze. You can freeze meatballs raw or already cooked — just lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. The sauce can be frozen separately or with the meatballs. Use within 3 months for best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your leftovers in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring now and then until everything is warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water. For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat for these meatballs?

Absolutely! While traditional Spaghetti and Meatballs are made with beef, you can swap in ground pork, turkey, or even a beef-pork mixture. Each variation brings its own unique flavor and texture — just be mindful of fat content for juicy, tender results.

What’s the best way to keep meatballs from falling apart?

The trick is balance: enough bread crumbs and egg to bind, but not so much that the mixture gets dense. Mixing gently and not over-handling the meat also helps maintain the perfect, cohesive shape that holds together beautifully when cooked.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, baking is a great hands-off alternative! Arrange the shaped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through. Then transfer them to the sauce and simmer as directed. Less mess, lots of flavor!

How can I make this Spaghetti and Meatballs gluten-free?

Swap in gluten-free bread crumbs and use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles. Double-check your pasta sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you can enjoy this classic without any concerns.

What’s the secret to the best spaghetti and meatballs sauce?

Homemade or high-quality jarred sauce both work wonders, but the real magic comes from simmering meatballs right in the sauce. Their juices enrich the tomato base, creating a robust, savory flavor that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing meal, now’s your chance to master Spaghetti and Meatballs at home! This recipe is easy, flexible, and truly delicious — comfort food done right. So gather your ingredients, tie on your apron, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of classic dinnertime joy. You’ll be coming back to this one again and again!