Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs & Marinara
Comfort food at its finest—rich, savory, and totally satisfying.
Few dinners feel more soul-soothing than a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. This classic recipe brings together juicy, pan-seared meatballs and a simple, from-scratch marinara sauce, served over perfectly al dente pasta. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table—with full hearts and empty plates.
Whether you’re cooking for family night, feeding a crowd, or just craving something nostalgic, this dish always hits the mark.
Why I Love This Recipe
- No shortcuts needed – the homemade sauce and meatballs are easier than you think
- Incredible flavor payoff from simple ingredients
- Freezer-friendly – perfect for meal prep
- Flexible – switch up the meat, add herbs, or swap the pasta
📝 Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or mix with pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp milk (optional for added moisture)
- Olive oil, for browning
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, torn (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz–1 lb spaghetti
- Salt, for pasta water
- Grated Parmesan, for serving
🔁 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives extra texture, or try almond flour for a low-carb version
- Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano adds more sharpness if you’re out of Parmesan
- Pasta: Use gluten-free spaghetti or try linguine, bucatini, or even zucchini noodles
👨🍳 How to Make It
1. Make the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk if using. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork it.
Form into 1½-inch meatballs.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Stir well.
Return the meatballs to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
3. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain, and optionally toss with a spoonful of the marinara sauce to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble & Serve
Twirl spaghetti onto plates, top with meatballs and sauce, and finish with grated Parmesan and torn basil.
🔥 Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the browning step—it adds tons of flavor to the meatballs and sauce
- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce keeps them tender and juicy
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat
- Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for later!
🍷 Serving Suggestions
Pair this classic with:
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
- A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- A bold red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese
And if you’re looking for something sweet after? Check out the dessert links below!
💬 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
🧡 Final Thoughts
There’s something timeless about spaghetti and meatballs. It’s nostalgic, it’s cozy, and it never goes out of style. Whether it’s Sunday supper or a weeknight win, this version delivers everything you love—with no shortcuts, and all the flavor.
Tried it? Drop a comment below or tag us @chefmaniac so we can see your saucy creation!
Want more recipes like this? Hit follow or sign up for the newsletter and never miss a comfort food classic. 🍝
Leave a Reply