Spaghetti & Meatballs

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress. Today, we’re making the ultimate homemade spaghetti and meatballs—from scratch!

This recipe is packed with rich flavors, juicy meatballs, and a savory tomato sauce that will leave your kitchen smelling absolutely amazing. Plus, we’ll add a special touch by finishing the pasta in the sauce for that perfect restaurant-style dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

•  Rich and Flavorful – Homemade meatballs and a well-seasoned tomato sauce make all the difference.
•  Easy to Make – With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can create this quality meal.
•  Customizable – Want it spicy? Creamy? Gluten-free? I’ve got tips for all of that!

So, let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 2 slices of bread, crust removed
• ¼ cup room temperature water
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Spaghetti Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups homemade or store-bought spaghetti sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup chicken stock (or water)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 1 pack (16 oz) spaghetti
• Water for boiling
• 1 tsp salt

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley or spring onions, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Let’s Talk Meatballs: Homemade or Store-Bought?

Making meatballs from scratch might seem like extra work, but trust me, it’s worth it! Freshly made meatballs are juicier, more flavorful, and customizable. However, if you’re short on time, you can use frozen meatballs—just be sure to let them simmer in the sauce for extra flavor.

Now, let’s dive into the steps!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

• Soften the Bread: Chop the bread into small pieces

• Soak it in water for about 5 minutes.
  
• Mash it with a fork until it forms a paste. This trick keeps the meatballs extra tender.

• Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, combine the mashed bread, ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.

• Gently mix with your hands—don’t overwork the mixture!
• Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, evenly-sized balls and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs and sear them for about 2 minutes per side until browned. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.)

• Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Spaghetti Sauce

• In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
• Sauté the chopped onion for about a minute until fragrant.
• Add the minced garlic and stir for about 10 seconds.
• Pour in your homemade or store-bought spaghetti sauce.
• Add the bay leaf, oregano, and chicken stock. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
• Gently add the meatballs back into the sauce and let them simmer while you cook the pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package instructions).

• Drain the pasta—but don’t rinse it!

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Transfer the drained spaghetti into the sauce.

• Gently mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with sauce. (Using two spatulas can make this easier.)
• Let it cook on low heat for 2-3 more minutes so the pasta absorbs all the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Garnish with fresh parsley or spring onions.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
• Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

Tips for the Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture – Overmixing can make the meatballs dense instead of tender.
• Sear for Flavor – Browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce gives them a rich, deep flavor.
• Finish Cooking in the Sauce – This keeps them juicy and prevents them from drying out.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since the spaghetti will cook in the sauce, slightly undercook it in boiling water first.
• Let It Simmer – Allowing the sauce to simmer with the meatballs for a few minutes enhances the overall flavor.

How to Serve Your Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Classic Style: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy, buttery garlic bread.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad pairs beautifully.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Melt some mozzarella on top for a cheesy twist.

Make It Your Own!

Love experimenting? Try these fun variations:

•  Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for a kick!
•  Healthier Option: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
•  Extra Cheesy: Mix shredded mozzarella into the meatballs.
•  Veggie Twist: Substitute meatballs with grilled eggplant or zucchini.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze sauce and meatballs separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat:

• Stovetop: Heat on low with a splash of water.
• Microwave: Warm in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef.

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to soak and mash the bread well, and don’t overmix the meat mixture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap meatballs for mushroom or lentil meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sear the meatballs, then place everything in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.

Final Thoughts

This homemade spaghetti and meatballs recipe is simple, yet packed with rich flavors. The best part? You can make a big batch and store leftovers for later—just reheat and enjoy!

I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @joyfulcook__ and share your dish.

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Bon Appétit!