Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

3.67 from 3 votes

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Spaghetti and Meatballs is the quintessential Italian meal that is total comfort food. Slow-cooked, super savory and so delicious!

I’m not sure there isn’t anything I don’t love about Spaghetti and Meatballs. It is classically Italian, so delicious and the very definition of comfort food. I don’t make it frequently because it’s a little more work compared to a simple meat sauce, but man, when I do is it a fabulous meal! Everyone in my family gobbles it up no problem and always requests seconds. Serve with a delicious Caprese Salad with homemade Balsamic Garlic Dressing and Garlic Bread.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef with milk, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese until well combined. Using a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop, divide meat mixture into equal portions and roll into balls.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Brown half the meatballs and remove to a plate. They will not be fully cooked and that’s ok.
  3. Add in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and brown remaining meatballs. Remove to a plate.
  4. To make the sauce, add in an onion to the pot with meat drippings and any remaining olive oil. (There should be enough residual grease in the bottom of the pan, but if there is not, add in 1-2 more tablespoons of olive oil.) Cook onions until nearly tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, seasonings, and sugar. Stir. Add meatballs gently back into the pan and coat in sauce. Reduce heat to low or medium-low to gently simmer for 30-45 minutes or until meatballs are tender and fully cooked. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning.
  5. Serve over spaghetti with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. 

If you don’t have time to make this recipe for Spaghetti and Meatballs, try my Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta, Pressure Cooker Baked Ziti, or my Best Lasagna Recipe.

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

The most important thing about this spaghetti and meatballs recipe is to do your due diligence and let it cook long enough to get that rich, slow-cooked flavor. There is a little variation in the cooking time. The longer you cook the spaghetti and meatballs, the better the dish tastes, so just be sure you leave that good hour or two for simmering. It will make a world of difference!

Besides that, this is a straightforward (amazing, delicious, addicting) recipe. Don’t forget to top it all off with fresh basil and real parmesan cheese. So delicious.

More Spaghetti Recipes to Love!

And More Meatball Recipes!

Spaghetti and Meatballs
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3.67 from 3 votes

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti and Meatballs is the quintessential Italian meal that is total comfort food. Slow cooked, super savory and so delicious!
servings 6 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

  • 1.25 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 whole egg
  • 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

For the sauce:

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix ground beef with milk, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese until well combined. Using a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop, divide meat mixture into equal portions and roll into balls.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Brown half the meatballs and remove to a plate. They will not be fully cooked and that's ok. 
    Add in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and brown remaining meatballs. Remove to a plate.
  • To make the sauce, add in an onion to the pot with meat drippings and any remaining olive oil. (There should be enough residual grease in the bottom of the pan, but if there is not, add in 1-2 more tablespoons of olive oil.) Cook onions until nearly tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, seasonings, and sugar. Stir. Add meatballs gently back into the pan and coat in sauce. Reduce heat to low or medium-low to gently simmer for 30-45 minutes or until meatballs are tender and fully cooked. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning.
  • Serve over spaghetti with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. 

Nutrition

Calories: 833kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1614mg | Potassium: 1320mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1238IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 6mg
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, spaghetti, spaghetti and meatballs
3.67 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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2 Responses
  1. Laura D Gamble

    5 stars
    Currently making this and the house is filled with its delicious aroma! Can’t wait! 🤩
    My family LOVES your recipes.

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