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bowl with spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce and meatballs
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Spaghetti and Meatballs

An easy spaghetti and meatballs recipe: a classic recipe the whole family will love!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, spaghetti
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 440kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsp. ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 48 oz. red sauce (or 2 jars)
  • Parmesan/Parsley/Basil for garnish.
  • 1 lb. spaghetti pasta, cooked
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  • Cook your spaghetti or pasta of choice and be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
    1 lb. spaghetti pasta, cooked
    cooked pasta on a white plate
  • Combine all of the ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together all of the ingredients for the meatballs: ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onions, ketchup, Dijon, garlic, oregano, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and Worcestershire. Work the meat just until combined either with clean hands or a spatula or spoon.
    1 lb. ground beef, 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped or grated, 1 egg, 2 Tbsp. ketchup, 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. dried parsley, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. oregano, 2 tsp. Worcestershire
  • Form into meatballs: I like to have a rimmed baking sheet by my side so I can place the rolled meatballs onto it. Either using your hands or a cookie scoop, scoop out some of the meat mixture and roll into a ball ~2-3 Tbsp. each. Continue shaping until all meat is used and place on the baking sheet, not touching. You will have about ~17-18 meatballs.
  • Cook the meatballs: In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil. Place meatballs down in an even layer and cook on each side for 3-5 minutes or until they are browned on each side.
    2 tbsp olive oil
  • Simmer meatballs: Pour the red sauce and the 1/2 cup reserved pasta over the meatballs, bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low and cover with a lid. Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes. The longer they simmer the more tender they become!
    48 oz. red sauce (or 2 jars), 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Serve meatballs over cooked spaghetti noodles and garnish with cheese and Italian parsley.
    Parmesan/Parsley/Basil for garnish.

Video

Notes

  • Avoid overworking the meat. Mix the meat and other ingredients just until combined. I also recommend using your hands for this step; since you can actually feel when things are mixed, you’re less likely to overwork the meat. Use a spoon if this grosses you out!
  • After you roll your meatballs, if you feel like they got warm, pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes. You want to keep the fat from melting and breaking down before you cook the meatballs. This also helps them from breaking apart. Alternatively, you can chill the meat, then roll into balls.
  • Meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 440kcal