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If you want a comforting meal fast, this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is for you! 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.
A Note About Meatballs
I used Abruzzese Style Italian Meatballs for this dish. These were new to my grocery store, so I gave them a whirl. SO GOOD! They come packaged raw and can be found in the meat section at your local grocery store. I used two packages of this kind of meatballs. Feel free to use frozen, cooked meatballs, or if you’re up to it, I also have a killer Meatball Recipe you can try.
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs
I know the 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 the step by step directions to make this Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. For full recipe details, see the printable recipe card down below.
Bake Meatballs
Bake meatballs according to package directions.
Saute Veggies
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.
Add in Marinara, Water + Spices
Pour in 2 jars of marinara sauce ( I used the Classico brand Tomato Basil Marinara), water, and spices. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add in cooked meatballs and cover.
Cook the Spaghetti + Serve
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.
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.
I also do not like eating pasta for dinner but I think your delicious looking pasta will make me to eat today.
Love spaghetti and meatballs! Will have to give this a try 🙂
This is incredibly easy! I would never say no to shortcuts!
What do you do with the canned diced tomatoes please
Add them in with the marinara at the same time.
Easy, delicious. Check, check. I’m all about that. I can handle this!