Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Samantha Jones
  • Total Time: 120
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian (with meatball substitutions)

Description

A hearty Italian-American staple featuring tender meatballs in rich tomato sauce, served over al dente pasta. Creamy, savory, and packed with comforting flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) or ground turkey/plant-based protein
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (fresh or gluten-free)
2 large eggs or 1 cup mashed chickpeas (for binding)
4 minced garlic cloves
1 medium onion (for sauce), diced
2 cans (28 oz total) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp salt (for mixture and sauce)
1 cup grated cheese (Parmesan or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
12 oz spaghetti
4 cups water (for pasta)
Salt (for boiling water)


Instructions

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, oregano, parsley, and salt in a large bowl
Form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs using wet hands
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; brown meatballs until no longer pink
In a large pot, sauté onion in olive oil until softened
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, parsley, and salt to the pot; bring to a simmer
Gently place browned meatballs into sauce
Simmer uncovered over low heat for 30 minutes
Stir in grated cheese during the final 5 minutes
Boil water in a pot; add salt, then spaghetti
Cook pasta to al dente (around 8-10 minutes)
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain
Toss cooked spaghetti with meatball sauce and reserved water until glossy

Notes

Substitute ground turkey or plant-based protein for beef
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions
Chickpeas bind vegan meatballs (add 1/4 tsp baking powder for fluffiness)
Reserve pasta water for optimal sauce consistency
Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months
Adjust cheese type for dietary needs (vegan, dairy-free)

  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 90
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups (with meatballs and sauce)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg