Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs
Transform dinner into an Italian feast with this irresistible Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs recipe, a hearty classic that's sure to satisfy the whole family! Juicy, flavorful meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork are browned to perfection before simmering in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. Paired with perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti, this comforting dish boasts layers of texture and taste, from the tender meatballs to the robust, tangy sauce balanced with a hint of sweetness. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and vibrant basil leaves, this crowd-pleaser brings authentic Italian flavors right to your table. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish is a timeless favorite that delivers both nostalgia and gourmet flair.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground pork
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 8 cups water
- 0.25 cup (for serving) grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 leaves (for garnish) fresh basil leaves
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Do not overmix.
Using clean hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter, making approximately 16-18 meatballs. Set them aside on a plate.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches (avoid overcrowding) and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer meatballs to a plate. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, turning them to coat in the sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The meatballs will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing its flavors.
Meanwhile, bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on each plate, spoon sauce and meatballs over the top, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Enjoy your homemade spaghetti and meatballs, served warm!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2310 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 106.7 g | 137% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.3 g | 216% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 581 mg | 194% | |
| Sodium | 5839 mg | 254% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 216.9 g | 79% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.2 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.0 g | ||
| Protein | 139.4 g | 279% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 985 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 25.6 mg | 142% | |
| Potassium | 4818 mg | 103% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
