The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs
When it comes to iconic Italian-American dishes, spaghetti and meatball recipes hold a special place in our hearts. This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti to create a comforting meal that’s ideal for family gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying your hand at Italian cuisine for the first time, this recipe will bring the authentic taste of Italy to your table. Let’s dive into the art of crafting the perfect spaghetti and meatballs!
My Own Twist On Spaghetti and Meatballs
For my spaghetti and meatballs recipe, I made one simple adjustment: I added an extra ½ pound of Italian sausage. Since I try my best to stick to a high-protein diet, I added the sausage into the sauce then allowed it to cook with the meatballs. This small tweak gave the dish a richer, heartier flavor. Other than that, I kept things pretty classic! My only tip is to carefully time the cooking of the meatballs, sauce, and pasta so everything comes together perfectly.
Check out the frequently asked questions section below for things such as scaling and common recipe errors.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Spaghetti and meatballs are a beloved Italian-American creation, often enjoyed as a hearty family meal. While meatballs ("polpette") have roots in traditional Italian cuisine, serving them with spaghetti and tomato sauce became popular in the United States. This dish reflects the blend of Italian heritage and American innovation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen, this authentic spaghetti and meatballs recipe will take you there! Made with perfectly seasoned meatballs, a slow-simmered tomato sauce, and al dente pasta, this dish is pure Italian comfort.
What makes it special? It's the little details—fresh basil, a hint of Parmesan in the meatballs, and the love that goes into every stir of the sauce. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Spaghetti and Meatballs
This spaghetti and meatballs recipe brings the flavors of Italy into your home with its rich sauce and tender meatballs. Perfect for cozy dinners or family celebrations, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite, if not already. Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out!
Traditional Italian Meal Structure
Want to see what a traditional Italian meal structure looks like? Check out our GUIDE TO THE TRADITIONAL ITALIAN MEAL STRUCTURE page showcasing Italy's culinary diversity. Hot Tip: you may want to undue your belt buckle for this!
Share Your Recipe!
Don’t forget to share your creations on social media by using #ItalianCookingIdeas. Furthermore, we invite you to join other Italian Foodies in our Facebook group, where we come together to connect, exchange tips, and share our favorite Italian recipes. Lastly, as always, Buon appetito!
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Equipment
Honestly, you don't need much more cookware than what you already have. Use your favorite pot, pans, utensils and keep the ingredients on standby as I give the step-by-step instruction on when to add everything together. Check the list below.
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Spaghetti and Meatballs Ingredient List
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Parsley
- 1 egg
- Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion
- Garlic
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
Pairing Suggestions for Your Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Beverages: A robust red wine like Chianti complements the rich flavors.
- Appetizers: Serve with garlic bread or bruschetta for a complete meal.
- Salads: A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing adds freshness.
- Desserts: End with a classic tiramisu for a sweet touch.
Variations
You can make opt to make the recipe to meet you diet desires, such as:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for added depth.
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs
Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a tray.
Cook the Meatballs
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), basil, and oregano.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Serve
- Plate the spaghetti and ladle the sauce and meatballs on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Scaling: To serve more, double the meatball and sauce ingredients. Ensure the skillet and pot are large enough to accommodate.
Preparation: Meatballs and sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Tasting Notes: Dominant flavors include savory meatballs, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Add more basil or Parmesan for extra depth.
Top Tip: Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it enhances their flavor and texture.
Diets: For keto, serve meatballs with zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti.
Substitutions: Use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
Equipment: Metal bakeware ensures even browning if you opt to bake the meatballs.
Adjustments: For high altitudes, increase the simmering time for the sauce.
Pairing: Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Seasonal Popularity: Perfect for cozy winter nights and festive family gatherings.
Common Errors: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix gently for the best texture.
Grocery Store Variation
For busy home cooks, this simplified version of our authentic spaghetti and meatballs recipe uses pre-made ingredients from stores like Walmart, Costco, and Aldi. It’s quick, affordable, and still brings that cozy Italian-American charm to your table!
Ingredients (Available at Walmart, Costco, or Aldi)
Meatballs:
- 1 bag frozen Italian-style meatballs (approx. 24-28 oz) – $6.98 (Walmart Great Value)
Sauce:
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz) – $2.18 (Rao’s at Walmart), $5.79 (Costco two-pack), or $1.95 (Aldi’s Specially Selected)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) – $1.14 (Walmart Great Value), $4.98 for a pack of 6 (Costco), $0.85 (Aldi)
Pasta:
- 1 box spaghetti (16 oz) – $1.34 (Barilla at Walmart), $8.49 for a pack of 6 (Costco), or $1.19 (Aldi Reggano)
Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese – $3.78 (Walmart), $11.49 (Costco), or $2.89 (Aldi)
- Fresh basil (optional) – $2.78 (Walmart) or $2.29 (Aldi)
Sides (Optional):
- Garlic bread – $3.78 (Walmart Great Value), $7.99 (Costco), or $2.45 (Aldi’s L’Oven Fresh)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat frozen meatballs in a skillet over medium heat or bake according to package instructions. No extra oil needed!
2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the jar of marinara sauce and canned diced tomatoes. Heat on low-medium, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to combine flavors.
3: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain.
4: Assemble
- Plate the spaghetti, top with sauce and meatballs, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Add fresh basil for garnish if desired.
5: Serve
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
- Meatballs: $6.98
- Sauce: $2.18
- Pasta: $1.34
- Parmesan: $3.78
- Optional garlic bread: $3.78
Total Cost (Walmart): Approx. $18 for 4-6 servings (about $3 per serving!)
Why You'll Love This Grocery Store Version
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still crave a homemade meal. It’s easy to find these ingredients at any major grocery chain, and the shortcuts don’t skimp on flavor!
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a splash of balsamic vinegar to your jarred sauce to enhance its depth.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
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Print Pin Save Recipe_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
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Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a tray.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), basil, and oregano.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate the spaghetti and ladle the sauce and meatballs on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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