Here’s a classic and satisfying recipe for Spaghetti with Meatballs — tender, flavorful meatballs in a rich tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti.
🍝 Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or mix beef & pork)
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
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1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta:
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12 oz (340g) spaghetti
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Fresh basil or parsley and Parmesan for serving
🔪 Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
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In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix!
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Roll into 1½-inch balls and place on a tray or plate.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
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Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat with 1–2 tbsp olive oil.
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Brown meatballs on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
3. Make the Sauce:
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In the same pan, add chopped onion and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar (if using), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a simmer, then gently add the meatballs back in.
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Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
4. Cook the Pasta:
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Boil spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5. Assemble and Serve:
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Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.
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Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
✅ Tips:
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Want extra juicy meatballs? Soak breadcrumbs in 2 tbsp milk before mixing.
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You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
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This dish freezes beautifully—freeze meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months.