Spaghetti and Meatballs

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This spaghetti and meatball recipe is the ultimate weeknight family dinner — quick, easy, and picky eater-approved!

This is my go-to recipe for spaghetti and meatballs. With a quick 45-minute cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, with a fork-tender texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. To make things easy and save on mess, I brown the meatballs in the oven on a sheet pan instead of pan-frying them on the stovetop. I also use a good quality store-bought marinara sauce to save time, but feel free to use homemade tomato sauce if you have some on hand.

For more family-friendly Italian recipes (everybody loves Italian!), try my baked ziti, stuffed shells, and chicken parmesan. For an alternative to beef meatballs, try my favorite turkey meatballs.

What You’ll Need To Make Spaghetti and Meatballs

For the most flavorful meatballs (or meatloaf), I recommend using equal parts beef, veal, and pork; at most supermarkets, this blend is labeled “meatloaf mix.” If your market doesn’t carry the blend, you can use half beef and half pork (since ground veal isn’t readily available).

For the cheese, be sure to use the real-deal imported Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy; domestic Parmesan pales in comparison. You can always tell if it’s authentic by looking at the rind, which is embossed with the name over and over. If the cheese is already grated, it should be labeled “Parmigiano-Reggiano,” not “Parmesan.”

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin with the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the egg, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic and water; whisk well.

Add the meat, breadcrumbs and Parmigiano Reggiano. meatball recipe

Mix with your hands until just combined.

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, and place on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a metal spatula or tongs to turn the meatballs (they will stick a bit but should release easily when you scrape under them with the spatula).

Put the meatballs back in the oven and cook for another 10 minutes, until they are nicely browned and almost cooked through.

In the meantime, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large skillet. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary (I usually add a healthy pinch of sugar and some freshly ground black pepper). Transfer the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce, leaving the fat behind. Cover loosely with a lid or foil and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the flavors marry and the meatballs are cooked through. Keep warm until ready to toss with pasta.

While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.

Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain, then toss with the sauce and meatballs.

Transfer the spaghetti and meatballs to serving bowls and top with fresh chopped basil and more grated cheese.

You may also like

• Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs
• Bolognese
• Chicken Meatballs with Tomato-Balsamic Glaze
• Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
• Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
• Cacio e Pepe