Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

This easy spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a classic comfort meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy meatballs simmered in flavorful marinara sauce pair perfectly with tender spaghetti. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a satisfying Italian favorite on your table in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage meat
• 1 large jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 12 ounces spaghetti

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage meat. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Step 3: Shape the meat mixture into 16 golf ball-sized meatballs.
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip to brown the other side.
5. Step 5: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook at a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are no longer pink inside, about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover the skillet to keep warm.
6. Step 6: When you start simmering the meatballs, add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions or until desired doneness. Drain the pasta.
7. Step 7: Divide the cooked spaghetti among four plates. Uncover the meatballs, stir the sauce, and evenly distribute the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meat mixture before shaping the meatballs.
• Use turkey or chicken sausage as a leaner alternative to Italian sausage meat.
• If you prefer larger meatballs, adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Cooked spaghetti can be stored separately and reheated with a splash of water to prevent drying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. This saves time on busy days.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian sausage?

You can substitute with regular ground pork or ground beef and add Italian seasoning or fennel seeds to mimic the sausage flavor.

Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

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5 from 66 reviews

This Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe combines juicy homemade meatballs with a rich marinara sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a classic Italian-American dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family meals.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. Italian sausage meat
• 2 and 1/2 tsp. salt, divided

Sauce & Pasta

• 1 large jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 12 oz. spaghetti

Instructions

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and add 2 teaspoons of the salt. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Prepare Meat Mixture: Meanwhile, in a large bowl add the ground beef and sausage meat. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix with your hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
3. Shape Meatballs: Form the meat mixture into 16 golf-ball sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
4. Brown Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip to brown the other side thoroughly.
5. Simmer in Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook gently for 4-5 minutes, until meatballs are no longer pink inside. Then, turn off the heat and cover the skillet to keep warm.
6. Cook Spaghetti: When the meatballs begin simmering in the sauce, add the spaghetti to the boiling salted water. Cook according to package instructions or until desired doneness. Drain the pasta well.
7. Serve: Divide the spaghetti among four dinner plates. Remove the lid from the skillet, stir the meatballs and sauce, then evenly distribute the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti. Serve warm.

Notes

• Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to prevent tough meatballs.
• Using Italian sausage adds extra seasoning; you can substitute with ground pork if desired.
• Simmering meatballs in sauce finishes cooking them gently and infuses flavor.
• Ensure pasta water is well salted for best flavor.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, easy dinner, Italian recipe, marinara sauce, ground beef, Italian sausage