There is something incredibly comforting about a classic bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, and this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe captures that homey, soul-satisfying feeling perfectly. With juicy, tender meatballs nestled in a rich marinara sauce, paired with perfectly al dente spaghetti, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. Whether you are whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or wanting to impress friends without stress, this recipe is straightforward, approachable, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Each item plays a vital role, from the savory meatballs to the bright herbs and tangy cheese that elevate the sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch inside the meatballs and on top as garnish.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder so meatballs hold their shape.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses pungent aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild, warming spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly browning the meatballs without drying them out.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: The rich red sauce that hugs each meatball with tang and sweetness.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The classic Italian pasta that’s the perfect vehicle for all those tasty juices.
- Salt for pasta water: So the spaghetti is seasoned right from the start.
- Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish: To finish off the dish with visual appeal and extra flavor.
How to Make Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix just until everything comes together; overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so gentle hands here are key.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs for uniform cooking. This size ensures they cook through evenly and stay tender inside while getting a beautiful brown crust outside.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Place the meatballs in the pan and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning them gently to brown on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives that irresistible caramelized crust.
Step 4: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
Pour your marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the meatballs to fully cook while soaking in that rich tomato goodness.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to stand up to the hearty sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Drain the spaghetti and either transfer it to the skillet with the meatballs or place it in a serving bowl. Spoon the saucy meatballs on top, then garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. It’s time to dive into this soul-warming feast!
How to Serve Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make any dish shine. Here, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds salty richness while chopped parsley brings a fresh, vibrant note that brightens each bite visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Complement this classic with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or warm garlic bread that soaks up every last bit of sauce. These easy sides keep the meal balanced without stealing the spotlight from your starring Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs skewered as appetizers or plating them atop creamy polenta for a cozy variation. You can also turn leftovers into a hearty sandwich by layering slices of meatball and sauce on toasted bread with melted cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy and to maintain the perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully for a lighter take on this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as these meats can cook a bit faster and may require careful handling to stay moist.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the breadcrumbs and pasta for gluten-free alternatives. Many stores offer great gluten-free pasta options that hold up well in this dish.
Can I add some heat to this Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce adds a wonderful warmth that balances the savory flavors without overpowering the dish.
What’s the best way to avoid dry meatballs?
Using a combination of breadcrumbs, egg, and cheese ensures moisture and binding. Also, avoid overcooking by simmering gently and keeping the meatballs covered so they stay tender and juicy.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
You can mix and form the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them, which can actually enhance the flavor. Just cook them when you’re ready to make the sauce for fresher results.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that ticks all the boxes for flavor, comfort, and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—there’s nothing quite like the joy of twirling tender spaghetti loaded with meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, all made from scratch with love.
Print
Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe delivers a comforting classic Italian-American meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with rich flavors. Tender homemade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti make for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches if necessary and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly.
- Simmer in Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are cooked through.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the meatballs cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine and Serve: Transfer the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce or place it in a serving bowl. Toss gently to coat the pasta with sauce. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce if you prefer a little spicy heat.
- For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
