Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
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If you want a comforting meal fast, this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is for you! Get that slow-cooked flavor with some store shortcuts.
Spaghetti and Meatball Recipe
I typically try to avoid making pasta for dinner, mainly because when I make it, I eat it ALL. Well, for some reason last week, I was feeling nostalgic for the Italian ancestors I never had and made up a quick version of a Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. I LOVE this version oh so much! Very little prep needed, very little chopping required, a few shortcuts taken from the store. Ohmygoodgravy, the end result is a slow-cooked, rich sauce that you enjoy over bowlfuls of pasta.
Main Ingredients Needed
I know this ingredient list looks daunting, but don’t worry! I promise this is truly a quick recipe to whip up for a delicious Italian dinner. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe:
- Abruzzese Style Italian Meatballs – these come raw and can be found in the meat section at your local grocery store. If you’re up to it, I also have a killer Meatball Recipe you can try.
- Olive Oil – to saute the onions and mushrooms.
- Yellow Onions – what is spaghetti sauce if there isn’t that slight onion flavor in it?
- Baby Bella Mushrooms – this is a great addition to the spaghetti sauce! Also known as Portabello Mushrooms. BUT if you don’t like mushrooms, don’t add them in, no big deal.
- Garlic – Italian food needs garlic, my friends.
- Marinara Sauce – I used the Classico brand Tomato Basil Marinara. (2 jars!)
- Petite Diced Tomatoes – you’re gonna need one can of this stuff. It adds texture and flavor to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning – a great seasoning blend to cover almost (see below) all of your Italian flavoring needs.
- Basil and Bay Leaves – we are going to be adding a tad bit more basil and bay leaves to the sauce to really bring out those specific flavors.
- Salt and Pepper – season to taste!
- Water – this is for the sauce.
- Spaghetti – hello, it’s a spaghetti and meatballs recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese – optional but highly recommended.
- Parsely – an optional garnish.
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Bake meatballs according to package directions.
- In a large pot, saute onions and mushrooms on medium heat in olive oil. After they become tender, stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in 2 jars of marinara sauce, water, and spices. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add in cooked meatballs and cover.
- Cook spaghetti to al dente, then toss with sauce and meatballs. Serve hot!
Side Dishes Perfect for Spaghetti and Meatballs
Because you are saving so much time actually making the main dish for dinner, why not prepare some equally easy and delicious side dishes. Here are some of my favorite side dishes to have with this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe:
- Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
- Caprese Salad
- Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Pull-Apart Rolls
Leftovers
Good news! This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is perfect for leftovers! Make sure to cover in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop a plate into the microwave and gently nuke it (start with one minute, stir, then continue in 3o second intervals until heated through).
More Recipes to Try!
- Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Swedish Meatballs
- Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
- Skinny Baked Spaghetti
Printable recipe below! Have a great day, friends! 🙂
45 Minute Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 Abruzzese Style Italian Meatballs {raw}*
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 cup baby bella mushrooms diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz. marinara sauce** 2 jars
- 14.5 oz. petite diced tomatoes 1 can
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 bay leaves
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- parmesan cheese to garnish, optional
- parsley to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Bake meatballs according to package directions.
- In a large pot, saute onions and mushrooms on medium heat in olive oil. After they become tender, stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in 2 jars of marinara sauce, water, and spices. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add in cooked meatballs and cover.
- Cook spaghetti to al dente, then toss with sauce and meatballs.
Easy, delicious. Check, check. I’m all about that. I can handle this!
What do you do with the canned diced tomatoes please
Add them in with the marinara at the same time.
This is incredibly easy! I would never say no to shortcuts!
Love spaghetti and meatballs! Will have to give this a try 🙂
I also do not like eating pasta for dinner but I think your delicious looking pasta will make me to eat today.
Need to try this! I have had zero luck making sauce my kids like (jarred of course is fine) so will give yours a whirl! It’s my son’s favorite meal.