How to Make Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s loved by people all over the world, classic spaghetti and meatballs is a perfect choice. This hearty dish is comforting, filling, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, spaghetti and meatballs will always be a crowd pleaser.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions. Don’t worry if cooking isn’t your strong suit—this recipe is approachable for beginners and will leave you feeling like a superstar in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
– 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
– ½ cup breadcrumbs (you can use store-bought or make your own)
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
– 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon dried basil (or use fresh basil if you have it)
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Spaghetti:
– 12 ounces (350g) spaghetti
– Water for boiling
– Salt for the pasta water
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
Start by preparing your meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley (if using), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. You want the ingredients to just come together.
Step 2: Roll the Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, roll it into small, round balls. Aim for a size similar to a ping-pong ball or slightly smaller, so they cook evenly but remain juicy. Place the rolled meatballs on a plate or tray.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides. The meatballs don’t have to be fully cooked at this stage since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to wash it—you want all those delicious browned bits), add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it softens. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste a little tangy. Bring the sauce to a simmer (small bubbles) and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to blend together.
Step 5: Add the Meatballs to the Sauce
Carefully place your browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs to coat them. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce and meatballs cook together for 15–20 minutes. During this time, the meatballs will finish cooking, and they’ll soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs are simmering, it’s time to cook your spaghetti. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente, which means it’s firm but cooked through.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander, but don’t rinse it—rinsing removes the starch, which helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
To serve, spoon some spaghetti onto a plate and top it with the meatballs and tomato sauce. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a few fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Serve your spaghetti and meatballs hot, and enjoy every bite of this homemade classic!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the breadcrumbs! They help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- Taste as you go: Adjusting the seasoning in your sauce can make a big difference.
- Save time: If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-made meatballs or store-bought marinara sauce, but homemade always tastes best.
Conclusion
Classic spaghetti and meatballs is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that’ll impress anyone at your table. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy the satisfaction of making this timeless recipe from scratch. Buon appetito!
