These tasty meatballs sitting on a bed of spaghetti noodles are a classic favorite! Bursting with flavor and love, they make every bite special and satisfying.
Making this dish always makes me feel like a chef! Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cheese on top because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Opt for traditional spaghetti, but if you’re gluten-free, whole wheat or zucchini noodles are great alternatives. I find zucchini noodles add a nice crunch!
Ground Beef: I love a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor, but turkey or chicken works well too for a lighter dish. Feeling adventurous? Try ground lamb for a unique twist!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are standard, but panko adds extra crispiness. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for flavor, but Pecorino Romano can be a tasty substitute. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish, but dried parsley can work in a pinch. If you’re out of parsley, basil adds a lovely herbal touch too!
How Do You Get Meatballs to Be Moist and Flavorful?
To achieve juicy and flavorful meatballs, careful attention must be paid during mixing and cooking. Here are some key steps:
- Combine the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Use breadcrumbs and an egg—they act as binders and keep everything moist.
- Don’t skip browning! Browning the meatballs locks in flavors before they simmer in the sauce.
- Simmer them gently in the sauce to finish cooking. This step helps soak in the flavors!
Trust me, these small details make a big difference! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
For the Meatballs:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Additional grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe takes about 45 minutes, with 10 minutes for prep, and 35 minutes for cooking. You’ll cook the spaghetti, prepare your tasty meatballs, and simmer everything in marinara sauce, resulting in a comforting dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, then drop in the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
While the spaghetti is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until it’s well combined—just be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough!
3. Form Meatballs:
Now, it’s time to shape your meatballs! With clean hands, scoop out a portion of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. You should end up with approximately 12-15 meatballs. Place them on a plate as you go.
4. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
5. Simmer in Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in your marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling nicely, carefully add the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the meatballs to fully cook through and soak up all that delicious sauce flavor!
6. Serve:
To serve, take the cooking spaghetti and place a nest of it on each plate. Top the spaghetti with meatballs and a generous scoop of marinara sauce. If you like, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra yumminess.
7. Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve the spaghetti and meatballs warm, and enjoy this classic comfort food with family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that it might result in slightly different flavor and texture. To keep the meatballs moist, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs or even a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free spaghetti and meatballs, replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can easily find gluten-free options at most grocery stores. Just follow the cooking instructions on the packaging for best results!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Add Vegetables to My Meatballs?
Yes, you can definitely enhance your meatballs with vegetables! Finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be mixed into the meatball mixture. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the meatballs from becoming too soft.
