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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting classic that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of simmered tomatoes and tender beef, look no further than this Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of perfectly cooked al dente pasta alongside juicy, flavorful meatballs bathed in a rich tomato sauce. This dish delivers warmth, satisfaction, and a taste of home that you’ll want on your dinner table again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A woman's hand holds a round, raw meatball mixed with green herbs and small white bits. The meatball is rough in texture and pink with green and white specks. Below the hand, on a white marbled surface, there are more raw meatballs and loose meat mixture visible, showing the same colors and texture. The photo is close-up, focused on the hand and meatball. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender qualities of the ground beef and fresh parsley to the fragrant garlic and robust crushed tomatoes, creating a dish that balances texture, aroma, and vibrant color effortlessly.

1 lb. spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, perfect for holding onto sauce and meatball bites.
1 lb. ground beef: The heart of the meatballs, providing juicy flavor and a tender bite.
1/3 cup bread crumbs: Keeps the meatballs moist and helps them hold their shape as they cook.
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley: Adds a burst of fresh herbal brightness and color.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Boosts the umami and creamy depth inside the meatballs and as a finishing touch.
1 large egg: Binds all the meatball ingredients perfectly without making them dense.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a punch of savory warmth that complements both the meatballs and sauce.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning through and enhancing every component.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate with every bite.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For browning meatballs and softening onions, lending richness.
1/2 cup finely chopped onion: Builds a sweet and aromatic base for the sauce.
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes: Creates a luscious, tangy sauce with just the right texture.
1 bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with gentle earthiness as it simmers.
Freshly ground black pepper: Added at the end to balance flavors with subtle sharpness.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the spaghetti and cook until just al dente — this means the noodles should still have a little bite, not mushy at all. Then drain it well to keep it from getting soggy during serving. The perfectly cooked spaghetti serves as the ideal stage for your saucy meatballs to shine.

Step 2: Combining Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, a teaspoon of salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything just until combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough! Then gently shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs. Taking care here guarantees juicy, tender meatballs that won’t fall apart while cooking.

Step 3: Browning the Meatballs

Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning carefully to brown all sides evenly. This step is essential for flavor; those caramelized edges bring a deep richness. Once browned, transfer the meatballs onto a plate to rest while you start the sauce.

Step 4: Building the Sauce Base

In the same pot, add finely chopped onions to the drippings and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This releases their natural sweetness and creates an irresistible base for your sauce. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes along with a bay leaf, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Simmering Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover the pot and let everything cook together until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. This final step ensures those meatballs soak up all the tomatoey goodness while staying juicy inside — it’s pure magic.

Step 6: Serving Your Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

Ladle the sauce and meatballs generously over the hot spaghetti. Don’t forget to sprinkle a good handful of freshly grated Parmesan on top — it adds a delightful salty, nutty finish. This is the moment where your beautiful plate comes to life and the inviting scents make it impossible to wait any longer.

How to Serve Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

A white round plate holds a bed of golden-yellow spaghetti, lightly coated in a red tomato sauce. On top, there are seven large brown meatballs covered in the same tomato sauce, spread evenly over the pasta. Bright green parsley leaves are scattered across the dish, adding fresh spots of color. White grated cheese is sprinkled over the meatballs and pasta, giving a fine texture contrast. A woman's hand is pinching some cheese above the plate, about to add more. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe with a few fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a vibrant color and a mild herbal note that lifts the dish. More Parmesan grated over the top offers an extra hit of salty, creamy deliciousness. For the adventurous, a few extra red pepper flakes can awaken every bite, making it more exciting without overpowering.

Side Dishes

The best side dishes to accompany your Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe are simple, allowing the main star to shine. Garlic bread, with its crispy crust and buttery garlic flavor, is a classic perfect pairing. A fresh mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers balance and a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, steamed or roasted vegetables bring in color and nutrients without clashing with the rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your meatballs nestled on individual plates of pasta swirl — twirling the spaghetti with a fork and spoon creates an elegant nest. Or, try stacking meatballs neatly atop a bed of linguine for a rustic yet refined look. For a fun twist, present the meatballs skewered with a fresh basil leaf between each bite, turning this classic into a party-ready appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe, no worries — it stores beautifully. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for even better leftover enjoyment. Just be sure to keep the pasta separate from the sauce if possible to avoid mushiness.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? The meatballs and sauce freeze wonderfully. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for added convenience on busy nights. You can freeze cooked spaghetti too, but it’s best reheated with a splash of water or sauce to maintain texture.

Reheating

To bring your stored Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe back to life, warm the meatballs and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For reheating pasta, a quick microwave zap or a brief sauté with a little olive oil or sauce works wonders. Avoid overheating to keep the meatballs tender and the pasta perfectly al dente.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes for a leaner option and still works wonderfully well. Just keep in mind it’s a bit leaner, so you might want to add a little olive oil to the meatball mixture to maintain moisture.

How can I make meatballs that stay tender and juicy?

The key is to not overmix the meat mixture and to include some bread crumbs and an egg, which help bind and retain moisture. Cooking the meatballs gently and simmering them in sauce rather than drying them out in the oven also keeps them tender.

Is it better to use fresh or dried pasta in this recipe?

Both work great, but fresh pasta tends to be softer and more delicate, perfect for special occasions. Dried spaghetti is convenient, stores longer, and has a firmer bite that pairs beautifully with the rich meatball sauce.

Can I prepare this Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatballs and sauce separately and refrigerate them for a day before cooking the final step to serve fresh. This makes dinner prep much easier without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing quality?

Slow and steady is the way to go. Reheat sauce and meatballs gently on the stovetop to preserve juiciness, and warm spaghetti with a splash of water or sauce in the microwave to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s an experience that reminds you of shared family dinners and cozy evenings. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite. Ready to fill your kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma? Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!

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