Beef Meatballs With Spaghetti

Nothing says classic comfort food like a plate of spaghetti topped with hearty homemade beef meatballs and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.

This dish is the epitome of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. These tender meatballs are seasoned to perfection, then simmered in a savory tomato sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

It’s a dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Ingredients

I’ve broken the list of ingredients down into 3 categories. If you simply want to the recipe for the meatballs then you can skip the last two categories:

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional, for garnish)

For the spaghetti:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Salt, for boiling water
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

The method has been broken up into simple categories. If you only want to make the meatballs then you can ignore most of the method. Otherwise, follow the whole set of instructions to create a delicious spaghetti dinner with meatballs:

Make the meatballs:

1. Mix the ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overmix or the meatballs will be dense.
2. Shape the meatballs:
   Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should get about 12–14 meatballs.
3. Cook the meatballs:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total (they don’t need to be fully cooked through yet). Remove and set aside.

Make the tomato sauce:

1. Sauté the aromatics:
   In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Build the sauce:
   Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer with the meatballs:
   Carefully nestle the meatballs into the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Cook the spaghetti:

1. Boil the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Combine with sauce:
   If desired, toss the spaghetti with a ladle of tomato sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water for extra flavor before serving.

Assemble the dish:

1. Plate it up:
   Divide the spaghetti among plates or bowls. Top with meatballs and spoon extra sauce over the top.
2. Garnish:
   Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
3. Serve:
   Enjoy immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tweaks and Additions

Although the recipe above is a classic, there are a few ways you can tweak it to make it something a little different:

• Meat mixture variations:
  Use a mix of ground beef and pork or veal for even juicier meatballs as we do in these basic meatballs.
• Spicy kick:
  Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs or sauce for a touch of heat.
• Herby twist:
  Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for more aromatic depth.
• Cheese-stuffed meatballs:
  Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center of each meatball before rolling them for a cheesy surprise.

This Beef Meatballs with Spaghetti recipe is the perfect blend of tradition and timeless flavors. The tender, juicy meatballs paired with a rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti is a meal that everyone loves.

Gather your loved ones, grab a fork, and twirl your way to pasta heaven! Buon appetito!