Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

This quick and easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is simple but the perfect comforting meal the entire family is sure to love. Classic meatballs, pasta sauce, and spaghetti pasta, what's not to love!

For more simple and delicious pasta recipes, be sure to also try making Fettuccine Alfredo and Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta. Also if you want to try making homemade pasta sauce as well, try making my recipe for Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce.

You know what it's like when you have a recipe that has become a standard because it works so well. It's the kind of recipe that you've made so many times that you could make it in the kitchen with your eyes closed (I don't recommend trying that).

This kind of recipe does not even have to be hard to make, just one that you make really well and everyone is impressed with it each time. That is exactly how I feel about my spaghetti and meatballs recipe. It's a staple in my house and a go-to recipe when I want to make something hearty and delicious.

The meatballs are made using ground beef, but I have also substituted ground turkey and a mixture of ground pork and sausage as well. Basically, use any kind of meat that you prefer and it'll still turn out just as well. Remember it's your kitchen and you can do whatever you want to do.

But back to these meatballs, you can make them in any size that you want and feel free to add in more or less of the seasonings as you prefer. In other words, you really cannot mess this recipe up. If you decide to give it a try, then be sure to let me know how it turns out for you.

Jump to:

• Ingredients You'll Need
• Instructions
• Storage
• Recipe
• More Recipes You'll Love

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Beef - Ground beef is needed to make the meatballs. Try using a mix that is at least 16% to 25% fat for the best meatballs. You may also substitute half of the ground beef for ground pork or ground sausage.
2. Bread Crumbs - Only need half a cup to help the ingredients bind together and form the meatballs. You may use homemade, plain, or Italian-style bread crumbs for this recipe.
3. Milk - Use whole milk to help make the meatballs to remain tender and juicy.
4. Onion - Chop a yellow or white onion into small even pieces to add to the meat mixture for additional flavor.
5. Garlic - Add two cloves of minced garlic to the meat mixture, if you prefer more, then you may add more.
6. Parmesan Cheese - Try to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the bag version as it will combine so much easier.
7. Egg - A single large egg is needed to help the meatballs stick together and not fall apart.
8. Cooking Oil - Use any cooking oil that you prefer. I prefer to use vegetable or canola oil.
9. Salt and Ground Black Pepper - Provides a bit of spice and keeps our meatball from tasting flat. Try to be mindful of the amount of salt because there will be more salt in the sauce as well as the spaghetti pasta cooked in salty water.
10. Sauce - Needed to finish off the meatballs and serve them with the spaghetti. Use your favorite sauce or make your own.
11. Spaghetti Pasta - Pairs with the meatballs to create spaghetti and meatballs. Cook according to the instructions on the package.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities.

Instructions

Begin the recipe by mixing together in a large bowl the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until all of the ingredients are fully combined.

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the meatballs into small bite-size balls. Try to make each meatball about the same size, using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon certainly helps with this.

In a large deep pot over medium-high heat, add the cooking oil and heat thoroughly. Add half of the meatballs and turn often on each side to make sure they evenly cook, about 5 to 7 minutes before carefully removing. Continue the process with the rest of the meatballs. If you need to add more oil, you may do so before adding the second batch.

Once finished cooking all of the meatballs, prepare a homemade sauce in the same pan or carefully drain the oil from the pot and add your favorite jar of sauce.

Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer on low heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, until the meatballs are heated throughout. Serve with cooked spaghetti pasta and enjoy!

Storage

Refrigerator - Store any uneaten leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving. You may store the meatballs, sauce, and spaghetti pasta separately or mix them all together and store them in one container as well.

Freezer - The cooked and cooled meatballs (with or without the sauce) can be stored in the freezer as well in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for at least a few hours before heating to serve.

Recipe

Original post date 04/03/2017. Updated 09/15/2022.

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• Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce
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• Tomato Basil Pasta

Have any comments, questions, or more delicious ways to enjoy this simple to make Spaghetti and Meatballs? Please share them in the comments below!