italian meatball spaghetti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian meatball spaghetti recipe

I’ve been making Italian meatball spaghetti for years, and it’s still a family favorite. This recipe comes from my grandmother, who learned it from her Italian neighbor.

The dish is hearty and comforting, with tender meatballs and a rich tomato sauce served over a bed of al dente spaghetti. It’s the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My kids love helping me make the meatballs and mixing the sauce, and my husband appreciates the generous portions that always seem to be left over. I love that this recipe is easy to customize with different types of meat or vegetables, and it’s also relatively healthy compared to other pasta dishes.

The key to making great meatballs is to not overmix the ingredients, so they stay tender and flavorful. My grandmother used to say that the secret to a good sauce was in letting it simmer for at least an hour, which allows all the flavors to meld together.

This recipe makes enough for four to six people, depending on serving sizes, so it’s perfect for a family gathering or potluck. I’ve also found that this recipe freezes well, so I can make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

Italian Meatball Spaghetti

Italian Meatball Spaghetti

4.9 from 1606 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring juicy meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, served over al dente spaghetti. This classic Italian meal is perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Meatball Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Sauce Ingredients

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup red wine (optional)
1/4 cup water

Spaghetti Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
salt for pasta water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
7While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
8In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
9Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
10Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
11Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
12Stir well to combine.
13If using, pour in the red wine and water.
14Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
15Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the skillet with the sauce.
16Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
17Cover and let them simmer together for an additional 10 minutes.
18While the meatballs and sauce are simmering, cook the spaghetti.
19Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
20Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
21Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
22Plate the spaghetti and spoon the meatballs and sauce over the top.
23Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
24Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large skillet
Large pot
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or a mix of ground meats for the ground beef. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Watch Video Of How Italian Meatball Spaghetti Works

This Italian meatball spaghetti recipe is a staple in our household and has been passed down through generations. It’s easy to make ahead of time and freezes well, making it perfect for busy families or those who like to meal prep.

The best part about this recipe is that you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Meatball Spaghetti

What type of meat is best for meatballs?

The best type of meat for meatballs is beef, but you can also use pork or a combination of both.

Can I use pre-made tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use pre-made tomato sauce as a substitute for homemade sauce.

How do I keep the meatballs moist?

To keep the meatballs moist, make sure not to overmix them when you’re forming them into balls.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

No, this recipe requires ground meat and is not suitable for vegetarians.

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