A Timeless Comfort Food Recipe

Few dishes capture the heart and soul of home cooking quite like Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and universally loved—from picky kids to seasoned foodies. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, Sunday supper, or meal prepping for the week, this tried-and-true recipe delivers every time. The aroma alone—simmering tomatoes, garlicky meatballs, and freshly grated Parmesan—is enough to draw a crowd into the kitchen.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the complete process of creating the perfect plate of spaghetti and meatballs. We’ll cover equipment needs, storage tips, wine pairings, and even a few creative twists to keep things fresh. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for:

Busy families looking for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
Beginner cooks who want to master a classic.
Anyone craving comfort food made from wholesome, simple ingredients.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, and the method is straightforward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1 large egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt
½ tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
Freshly ground black pepper

Kitchen Equipment Required

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large deep sauté pan or Dutch oven (for sauce and meatballs)
Mixing bowl
Tongs or slotted spoon
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Plate or tray (for resting meatballs)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, but do not rinse—this helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.

2. Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine:

1 lb ground beef
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp red pepper flakes

Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture, or your meatballs may turn out tough. Shape into 16 even-sized balls.

3. Brown the Meatballs

Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides—this should take about 10 minutes total. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.

4. Make the Sauce

Using the same pot (don’t clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold), add ½ cup chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in:

1 (28-oz) can of crushed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring the sauce to a simmer.

5. Simmer the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Serve

Plate the spaghetti, ladle over meatballs and sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a bit of fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip browning the meatballs – It adds a rich, deep flavor and helps them hold together in the sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan beats pre-shredded every time. The flavor and melt quality are incomparable.
Al dente pasta is key. Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy when topped with hot sauce.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Make it leaner: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Go vegetarian: Use meatless meatballs or roasted mushrooms instead.
Add veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Spice it up: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 tsp for a noticeable kick.
Cheese lovers: Add mini mozzarella balls into the meatballs for a gooey center.

Storage & Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the sauce and meatballs (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Stovetop: Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.

Perfect Pairings

Drinks

Red wine: A bold Chianti or Zinfandel complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a splash of cranberry juice adds brightness.

Sides

Garlic bread: A must-have for soaking up extra sauce.
Green salad: Something crisp with a balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted vegetables: Think broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes on a parchment-lined tray. They won’t brown as deeply, but it’s healthier and less messy.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but you can also use bucatini, fettuccine, or even penne.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free or almond meal.

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes! Form the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze raw meatballs for up to 3 months.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It’s fantastic for meal prep. Make a large batch and store individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With tender, flavorful meatballs and a rich tomato sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, this dish never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a family of four or just feeding yourself, this version is foolproof, versatile, and downright delicious.

If you loved this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with your fellow foodies and subscribe to the blog for more high-quality, comfort-food classics and gourmet tips delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s keep great food at the heart of every home. 🍝✨