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
Scale
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.
