Spaghetti and meatballs is my family’s most beloved pasta recipe! We love spending the afternoon having meatball-rolling competitions and concocting the tomato sauce. Then we gather around the kitchen table, enjoying our robust, saucy spaghetti and meatballs and great conversation. I’ve experimented with this classic dish in various ways over the years, and I’m so excited to share my favorite version with you. Its special touches (plural) create extra juicy meatballs and an incredibly tasty sauce. I hope it makes your next family dinner as cozy as mine was!
What Makes the Best Meatballs?
Believe it or not, my secret to super-duper, tender meatballs is bread soaked in milk! That’s because it helps make the meatballs juicy and tender. A combination of different meat, beef and pork is my favorite, ramps up the flavor factor since the beef’s boldness balances the pork’s mildness.
Recipe Ingredients
Meatballs Tomato Sauce and Spaghetti
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs
Meatballs
Soak the Bread – In a medium bowl, mix milk and bread to soften it. Then set aside. (Photo 1)Combine Meatballs – Mix the ground beef, pork, onions, garlic, parsley, basil, cheese, salt, white and black pepper, pepper flakes, egg, and softened bread in a large bowl. (Photos 2-3)Shape the Meatballs – Lightly mix the meat mixture with your hands (but don’t overmix) and shape it into about 12 balls (or more if you want smaller meatballs). If you’re going to make them ahead, store them covered in the refrigerator until needed. (Photo 4)Prepare Baking Pan – Line a baking pan with foil or parchment paper, then coat the bottom of the tray with oil (you can use a brush or spray). Arrange meatballs in a single layer and brush or spray the tops with the remaining oil.Bake – Bake meatballs at 375℉/190℃ until cooked through and beautifully brown, 15-20 minutes.
Tomato Sauce
Sauté Seasonings – Add about ¼ cup of oil to a large saucepan and heat on medium. Add onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and stir for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent. (Photo 5)Add Tomato Sauce – Then add tomato sauce, white pepper, paprika, and curry powder. Continue simmering for a few minutes, stirring to prevent it from burning. (Photo 6)Add Broth – Pour in a cup or more of broth. You may add more if desired while cooking to get your preferred consistency. Bring to a boil, then simmer to blend all the flavors – 18-20 minutes or more, stirring occasionally. (Photo 7)Add Meatballs – Add the meatballs to the pan with the tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally to prevent burning and using a splatter screen to reduce the mess😉. Adjust seasonings and sauce consistency with water or stock and salt. (Photo 8)Make the Spaghetti – Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (or to the desired doneness), drain, put it back in the empty pot, and set aside.Serve – Pour the sauce and meatballs over the spaghetti and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle it with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Both the tomato sauce and meatballs can be made the day before and gently reheated on the stovetop before serving. The tomato sauce actually tastes better if prepared a day in advance because the flavors have time to meld. And you can freeze the sauce and meatballs for three months for a double-win.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Spaghetti and meatballs are best served hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan cheese. I like to mix the sauce, the meatballs, and the pasta before plating. However, you can serve them separately if you anticipate leftovers and prefer storing them separately. The meatballs with the sauce will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge or six months frozen in an airtight container. If freezing, I recommend dividing the leftovers into smaller portions so they thaw and reheat faster.
What to Serve With Spaghetti and Meatballs
For a quintessential spaghetti and meatballs meal, you can pair it with homemade garlic bread or garlic knots bread and a fresh, tossed salad with Caesar dressing. Any cooked vegetable also makes an exciting side dish. Think sauteed zucchini or parmesan-crusted asparagus.
More Hearty Pasta Recipes to Try
Chicken Pasta BakeMac and CheeseLobster Mac and CheeseBlackened Shrimp and PastaSausage and Pasta
Conclusion
Our beloved spaghetti and meatball gets upgraded with baked meatballs and a spicy sauce! What is your family’s favorite addition to this drool-worthy recipe? Leave me a comment with your version of this classic.
Watch How to Make It
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