Introduction
Few dishes evoke as much comfort and nostalgia as a plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce. This Italian-American classic combines tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and served over al dente spaghetti. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the perfect meal for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
While spaghetti and meatballs are often associated with Italian cuisine, the dish as we know it today is more of an Italian-American creation. Immigrant families in the early 20th century adapted traditional Italian recipes to the ingredients available in America, giving rise to this beloved favorite. Over time, it became a staple of family dinners, Sunday feasts, and even romantic “Lady and the Tramp” moments.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s wholesome, flavorful, and universally loved. The meatballs are tender and juicy, infused with herbs and spices, and they soak up the marinara sauce beautifully. The sauce itself is rich and comforting, made with simple ingredients that deliver deep flavor.
It’s also a dish that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a cozy evening or making a big pot for a gathering, it always feels special and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize—you can make it spicy, cheesy, or even swap the meat for a vegetarian version.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Timeless comfort food: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Balanced meal: Protein-packed meatballs, carbs from pasta, and rich tomato sauce.
- Customizable: Works with beef, pork, turkey, or even vegetarian substitutes.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or romantic meals.
This dish is a must-try because it delivers everything you want in a meal—flavor, comfort, and a sense of tradition.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per Serving: ~620 kcal
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork (or use all beef/turkey)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- Fresh basil and Parmesan for garnish
Cooking Directions
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, mix beef, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, milk, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form meatballs: Shape mixture into 1 ½-inch balls.
- Sear meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Transfer to a plate.
- Make marinara sauce: In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Add meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
- Cook spaghetti: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Plate spaghetti, top with marinara and meatballs, garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Mix meatball ingredients and form into balls.
- Brown meatballs in skillet for flavor.
- Sauté onion and garlic, then add tomatoes and seasonings.
- Simmer sauce, then add meatballs to finish cooking.
- Boil spaghetti until al dente.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, garnish with cheese and herbs.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with a generous ladle of sauce over spaghetti.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Pair with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
- A glass of red wine (like Chianti) complements the dish beautifully.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat: Keeps meatballs tender.
- Sear first: Adds flavor and helps meatballs hold together.
- Simmer gently: Prevents meatballs from breaking apart.
- Use fresh herbs when possible: Adds brightness to the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: Add a splash to the sauce for silkiness.
Variations
- Cheesy Meatballs: Add mozzarella cubes inside each meatball.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili paste.
- Turkey/Chicken Meatballs: Use lean ground meat for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian: Swap meatballs for lentil, mushroom, or chickpea-based ones.
- Baked Meatballs: Bake instead of pan-frying for a lighter approach.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer (Meatballs): Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 3 months.
- Freezer (Marinara): Freeze sauce separately for up to 4 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
Conclusion
Spaghetti and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. With juicy, flavorful meatballs, a rich homemade marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the definition of hearty comfort food. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for both casual weeknights and special dinners.
Once you try making this from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to jarred sauce or frozen meatballs again. It’s a dish that’s as rewarding to cook as it is to eat.
Spaghetti and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Description
Few dishes evoke as much comfort and nostalgia as a plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce. This Italian-American classic combines tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and served over al dente spaghetti.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
For the Marinara Sauce:
For the Spaghetti:
Instructions
-
Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, mix beef, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, milk, salt, and pepper until just combined.
-
Form meatballs: Shape mixture into 1 ½-inch balls.
-
Sear meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Transfer to a plate.
-
Make marinara sauce: In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
-
Simmer meatballs in sauce: Add meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
-
Cook spaghetti: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Serve: Plate spaghetti, top with marinara and meatballs, garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.
