My Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe with homemade marinara sauce is incredibly easy to make and always receives rave reviews! This Italian comfort meal is not only perfect for a weeknight dinner but is also a crowd-favorite for your next dinner party. From juicy, tender meatballs to perfectly seasoned marinara sauce, this dish embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness. Perfectly paired with garlic bread and a Caesar salad, it truly stands out as the Best Homemade Spaghetti Meatballs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of herbs and spices creates a deliciously rich taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Meal: This dish works well for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
- Kid-Friendly: A favorite among children, this recipe makes it easy to introduce them to Italian cuisine.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust spice levels or add veggies for an extra twist!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make cooking your Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Pot for boiling spaghetti
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients without mess.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and browning meatballs evenly.
- Saucepan: Necessary for simmering your homemade marinara sauce to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 3 slices white bread (crusts removed), diced or torn to pieces
- 2/3 cup cold water
- 1 lb lean ground beef (7%-15% fat)
- 1 lb Sweet Ground Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (to dredge meatballs)
For the Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Light olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium yellow onion (1 cup chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes (from 2 – 28 oz cans)
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp basil (finely minced, plus more to garnish)
For the Pasta
- 1 lb spaghetti
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by soaking the diced bread in cold water in a large mixing bowl. Allow it to soak until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess water from the bread, then add it back into the bowl.
- Mix in ground beef, sweet sausage, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and egg until combined.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs
Using your hands, form mixture into large meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter.
- Dredge each meatball in all-purpose flour.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Add meatballs in batches; cook until browned on all sides.
Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet after removing meatballs:
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, add bay leaves if using, then season with salt, pepper, and basil.
Step 4: Simmer Together
Return meatballs back into the skillet with sauce.
- Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 5: Cook Spaghetti
While sauce simmers:
- Boil water in a large pot; add salt.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
Step 6: Serve
Plating is key! Serve spaghetti topped with marinara sauce and meatballs.
Enjoy your delightful homemade meal!
How to Serve Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Serving spaghetti and meatballs is an art that can elevate your dining experience. With the right presentation and side options, you can create a meal that impresses family and friends alike.
Classic Italian Style
- Fresh Basil: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate extra parmesan over the dish just before serving for a rich, salty finish.
Family-Style Presentation
- Large Serving Bowl: Serve the spaghetti in a large bowl with the meatballs gently placed on top, allowing guests to help themselves.
- Garlic Bread on the Side: Offer warm garlic bread for dipping in the sauce and enhancing the meal.
Elegant Plating
- Individual Plates: Plate each serving neatly with a swirl of spaghetti, topped with one or two meatballs, and a drizzle of sauce.
- Garnish with Parsley: Add chopped parsley for a vibrant touch that complements the dish visually.
Casual Gatherings
- Serve with Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed lightly; it balances the richness of the meal.
- Wine Pairing: Offer a nice red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, to enhance the flavors of your spaghetti and meatballs.
How to Perfect Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Perfecting your spaghetti and meatballs recipe involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish stands out.
- Use Quality Meat: Choose lean ground beef and fresh Italian sausage for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Soak Bread in Water: Soaking bread in cold water helps keep meatballs moist while adding flavor from spices.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your meatball ingredients gently to maintain tenderness; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Simmer Sauce Slowly: Allow your marinara sauce to simmer for longer to develop deeper flavors; this is key for an authentic taste.
Best Side Dishes for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your spaghetti and meatballs can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing makes a refreshing contrast to rich pasta.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a light complement.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses offers variety and enhances flavors.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds crunchiness and pairs well with the tomato sauce.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa provide an extra dose of healthy fiber.
- Fried Zucchini Slices: Crispy zucchini slices add an interesting texture while being easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale bread – Fresh bread is key for meatball texture. Use day-old bread or toast it lightly to avoid soggy meatballs.
- Not seasoning the sauce – A bland sauce ruins the dish. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and herbs to enhance flavors.
- Overcooking the meatballs – Juicy meatballs are essential. Cook them just until browned, then simmer in sauce for tenderness.
- Skipping the resting time – Letting meatballs rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
- Choosing the wrong pasta – Not all pasta works with meatballs. Choose spaghetti or a similar shape that holds sauce well.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container.
- It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Place cooled spaghetti and meatballs in freezer-safe containers.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Stovetop – In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or sauce, stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about my Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe that might help you out!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well but may require additional seasoning to enhance flavor.
How can I make this more vegetarian-friendly?
Substitute meat with lentils or plant-based ground meat, and adjust seasonings accordingly for a tasty vegetarian version.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Spaghetti is traditional, but you can also use linguine or fettuccine based on your personal preference.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs ahead of time, refrigerate them overnight, and cook them when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is not only comforting but also easy to customize. You can modify the ingredients based on your dietary preferences or add extra spices for a unique twist. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress!
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. Bursting with flavors, this classic Italian dish features juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, complemented by a rich homemade marinara sauce that simmers to perfection. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 3 slices white bread
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 large egg
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp basil
Instructions
- Soak diced bread in cold water for about 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess water and combine it with ground beef, sausage, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and egg in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Shape into meatballs (about 2 inches in diameter) and dredge in flour.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly before pouring in crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and let simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; serve topped with sauce and meatballs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup spaghetti with meatballs (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
