Spaghetti and Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience with its tender meatballs and rich, flavorful tomato sauce. The combination of hearty beef, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese gives the meatballs incredible flavor, while the homemade tomato sauce cooked with onions and butter adds depth and richness. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or any special occasion where you want to impress with a homemade, classic meal.

Ingredients

• 3 (28-ounce) cans whole stewed tomatoes
• 2 (28-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 3 large white onions, halved
• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
• 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 pounds cooked spaghetti, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Sauce:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the whole stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and halved onions.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low to simmer. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will break down as they cook, and the onions will infuse the sauce with flavor.
3. After 1 hour, remove the onions from the sauce and discard them. Stir in the butter, and let the sauce simmer for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

For the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until just combined (don’t overmix).
3. Shape the meat mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
5. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the simmering tomato sauce and let them cook for an additional 30 minutes in the sauce, allowing them to absorb the flavors.

For Serving:

1. While the meatballs are simmering in the sauce, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Once the meatballs have cooked in the sauce, serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
3. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours (1 hour for the sauce, 30 minutes for the meatballs, and 30 minutes for simmering)
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Meatballs: Use plant-based ground beef or a combination of vegetables (like mushrooms and lentils) for a vegetarian version of the meatballs.
• Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture or sauce for a bit of heat.
• Sauce Variations: You can substitute the whole stewed tomatoes with crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity in the tomatoes.
• Add Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for more depth and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat the meatballs in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

FAQs

1. Can I use lean ground beef instead of 80/20?

You can use lean ground beef, but the meatballs may be slightly drier. The fat content in 80/20 beef helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

2. Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of stewed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce, but using stewed tomatoes and letting them break down in the sauce adds a richer, more homemade flavor.

3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking them. They can also be frozen before baking for up to 3 months.

4. Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular pasta?

Yes, you can use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier alternative. It will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the dish.

5. Can I make the sauce spicy?

Absolutely! To add heat to the sauce, you can stir in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder.

6. How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

You can add more garlic, a bit of Worcestershire sauce, or a touch of oregano to the meatball mixture for additional flavor. You could also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme.

7. Can I cook the meatballs in the sauce instead of baking them first?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs directly in the sauce, but baking them first helps to brown them and develop a crispy outer layer for texture.

8. Can I make this dish without Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or another hard, salty cheese. For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast.

9. How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?

You can use a meat thermometer to check that the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), or you can cut one open to check that it’s no longer pink in the center.

10. Can I freeze the cooked spaghetti with meatballs?

You can freeze the meatballs and sauce together, but it’s best to freeze the spaghetti separately. Pasta can become mushy after freezing and reheating.

Conclusion

Spaghetti and Meatballs is the epitome of comfort food. This recipe is simple yet packed with bold flavors that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. With tender meatballs and a rich, buttery tomato sauce, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this classic dish will always be a crowd-pleaser!

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