Nothing says comfort food quite like a big plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs. This classic dinner is hearty, flavorful, and always a family favorite. Tender homemade meatballs baked until golden brown are served over spaghetti noodles tossed in a simple homemade tomato sauce, then finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
This easy spaghetti and meatballs recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you’re craving a cozy homemade meal. Best of all, it’s simple enough for beginner cooks and completely kid-approved.
Serve it with garlic bread, a side salad, or enjoy it exactly as it is—either way, this comforting pasta dinner is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Easy homemade comfort food
- Kid-approved family dinner
- Tender, flavorful homemade meatballs
- Perfect for weeknight meals
- Great for leftovers
- Classic Italian-inspired dinner everyone loves
Easy Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
For Serving
- fresh basil
- fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, diced onion, salt, black pepper, oregano, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
- Mix gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Using a large cookie scoop, portion the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
- Wet your hands slightly with water and roll the meatballs until smooth, about 2 inches in diameter. This recipe makes about 19 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions, about 10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the marina sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to serving plates, and top with the sauce and meatballs.
- Finish with fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Wetting your hands helps prevent sticking while rolling the meatballs.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Salt the pasta water well for more flavorful noodles.
- Simmering the sauce helps deepen the flavor.
What to Serve with Spaghetti and Meatballs
This comforting dinner pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables
- House salad
- Red wine
Or simply enjoy a bowl on its own for the ultimate comfort meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! The meatballs can be made and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze homemade meatballs?
Absolutely. Bake the meatballs, allow them to cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. While spaghetti is classic, fettuccine, linguine, or penne also work well.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is the kind of comforting homemade dinner that never goes out of style. With tender homemade meatballs, simple tomato sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and fresh Parmesan cheese, it’s a meal the entire family will love.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal, this classic recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your kitchen.