Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Cyd Converse

This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe makes a simple, family-friendly dinner that is as perfect for a weeknight as it is for a cozy Sunday dinner.

I remember as a kid being so excited every time my mom would start making her famous spaghetti and meatballs recipe. It was my favorite!

Something about helping her measure out the breadcrumbs to sprinkle into the meatball mixture and the smell of the sauce stewing together on the stove just smelled like comfort to me.

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Photo

This classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe is fully inspired by the spaghetti and meatballs my mom made us as kids.

It's the kind of dinner that you can serve with a crusty loaf of bread, a big green salad and it's as perfect on a chilly weeknight as it is for Sunday night dinner.

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs

I like to prepare spaghetti and meatballs in much the same way as my mom did when I was growing up.

To get started you will need the ingrdients for your sauce and the ingredients for your meatballs.

I always prepare my meatball mixture first and roll the meatballs, then place them onto a baking sheet or other tray once formed.

Then I pop the tray into the freezer so the meatballs can firm up a bit.

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs Photo

The next step in making spaghetti and meatballs is cooking the spaghetti. To keep things simple I generally use basic, dry spaghetti.

Cook the spaghetti in a pot of salted water to the specifications on the packaging, until the spaghetti is al dente.

In the meantime, I'll also warm olive oil in a big cast iron skillet so I can brown the meatballs when I pull them from the freezer.

After browning the meatballs, I'll set them to drain on paper towel and build my sauce right in the same skillet.

Once it has simmered for a while, I add the meatballs back into the sauce and simmer for a while longer.

Finally, everything gets served over the spaghetti and topped with grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Pic

Meatball Ingredients

You might be wondering what meat is best to use when making meatballs. It's a common question to ask!

I make spaghetti and meatballs in the tradition of my mother's recipe, which involves multiple kinds of ground meat, cheese, herbs, eggs and breadcumbs.

Generally I make meatballs with the following:

  • Ground veal
  • Ground pork
  • Ground beef
  • Breadcrumbs (I prefer using panko crumbs)
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Eggs
  • Parsley (you could also add basil and/or oregano)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

While you can absolutely use just ground beef if that's what you have on hand, using a combination of ground meats adds a richness and depth of flavor that is lovely in a meatball.

Alternately, you could use half ground beef and half ground sausage to add a lot of savory flavor.

If you opt for the sausage, I suggest a mild or sweet sausage as opposed to a hot sausge to suit a wider range of palates.

You can always top your spaghetti and meatballs with crushed red pepper flake (and I suggest it) to add a touch of heat to suit your own taste.

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Image

Can You Freeze Spaghetti and Meatballs?

I love serving this classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe for any casual family dinner or dinner party, but it's also a great dish to prep ahead.

If you're wondering how to freeze spaghetti and meatballs, there are a couple of options. Either way, you can safely freeze spaghetti and meatballs for up to six months.

  1. Combine your prepared spaghetti, meatballs and sauce until throughouly mixed together. Cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze.
  2. Dish the prepared sauce and meatballs into separate freezer-safe containers. Cool completely. Freeze for up to six months and prepare spaghetti when ready to serve.
  3. Combine prepared spaghetti, meatballs and sauce until throughouly mixed together. Cool completely. Portion into individual servings and spoon into portion-sized freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to six months.
Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Picture

How to Reheat Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a dish that reheats easily and is often even tastier the next day!

If you are reheating spaghetti and meatballs that you have previously frozen, it is best to first thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Alternately, when in a time crunch, you can use the defrost mode on your microwave to speed up the thawing process.

For a large batch of spaghetti and meatballs, transfer everything to a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil and place in an oven preheated to 350°F.

Warm in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the spaghetti and meatballs are warmed through. It may take more or less time depending on how much you are reheating.

To reheat indiviual portions, lightly spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray and warm over medium heat until warmed through.

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs Picture

How to Serve Spaghetti and Meatballs

I believe spaghetti and meatballs are best served with a great crusty loaf of bread.

A simple homemade white bread, a classic sourdough bread or my favorite no-knead artisan bread are perfect with spaghetti and meatballs.

Because spaghetti and meatballs can be a bit heavy, I like brightening the meal up with a fresh green salad such as an arugula and apple salad.

Our shaved Brussels sprout salad is also a perfect pairing for pasta, as is this crisp winter salad with citrus vinaigrette.

Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Photo

More Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipes

We are no strangers to a good spaghetti and meatballs recipe around here - we happen to love this one for Instant Pot turkey meatballs with spaghetti!

For a totally unique spin on meatballs these Tex Mex enchilada meatballs can't be missed! They are a crowd favorite every time.

If you or someone in your family can't eat gluten free, these slow cooker turkey meatballs are gluten free, tangy and delicious.

Not to be forgotten, these easy sweet and sour meatballs are perfect for dinner or as a party appetizer!

Planning a dinner party and need some inspiration?

How about looking for a new slow cooker dinner idea?

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Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

    8 Servings

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:
  • 1/2 pound Ground Veal
  • 1/2 pound Ground Beef
  • 1/2 pound Ground Pork
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • 1 1/2 cups Breadcrumbs, (I prefer panko style)
  • 10 sprigs Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil
For the Sauce and Pasta:
  • 1 pound Dry Spaghetti
  • 10 cloves Garlic, 9 cloves smashed and peeled, one clove minced fine
  • 84 ounces Crushed Tomatoes, (three large cans, I like Muir Glen or San Marzano)
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano, (or to taste)
  • Black Pepper, to taste
  • Kosher Salt, to taste (about two tablespoons, divided)
  • 2 ounces Fresh Basil, (about 1 cup) roughly chopped
For Serving:
  • Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese, optional
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, optional

Directions

  1. Add ground veal, ground beef and ground beef to a large mixing bowl. Combine with eggs, Parmesan, bread crumbs and parsley. Mix until just combined then form into 25 meatballs approximately 1-1/2" in size.
  2. Place meatballs on a cookie sheet and chill in the freezer for 5 minutes until slightly firm.
  3. While the meatballs are chilling, warm the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy bottom pot over medium-heat. Then brown the meatballs in two batches by adding them to the skillet and turning until browned on all sides.
  4. Drain the browned meatballs on plate or tray lined with paper towels. Set aside.
  5. In a large pot of salted water, prepare spaghetti per the package instructions until al dente then remove from the heat and drain. Set aside.
  6. To prepare the sauce, add the garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper to the same skillet. Stir to combine and simmer over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. Add the meatballs back to the pot or skillet with the sauce. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary to suit your palate by adding a pinch more kosher salt and/or black pepper.
  8. Add fresh basil and simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes.
  9. Serve meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, topping with grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

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8 servings
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Related Post:
Published:
Author: Cyd Converse
Recipe Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 237
Calories 728

% Daily Value*
46%
Total Fat 30g
38%
  Saturated Fat 8g
29%
Sodium 702mg
26%
Total Carbohydrate 78g
3%
  Dietary Fiber 3g
  Sugars 2g
58%
Protein 29g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.

Cyd is a native of Upstate New York, born to a family of women who love to cook and host parties. She shares her love of all things food, home and entertaining on her blog, The Sweetest Occasion and on Instagram.

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