How to Make the Perfect Spaghetti and Meatballs
Italian · Easy · 50 min · 6 servings
Spaghetti and meatballs is one of the most beloved kid friendly recipes of all time featuring juicy homemade meatballs nestled in a rich tomato sauce. Kids twirl their forks with excitement and parents appreciate how nutritious and filling this classic Italian inspired dinner truly is.
Why this recipe works
This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 24 oz jarred marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Form and Brown the Meatballs
In a large bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix gently with your hands until just combined then roll into golf ball sized meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes total.
Step 2: Simmer in Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce directly over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer together for 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has deepened in flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain well and return to the pot to keep warm.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Twirl a generous portion of spaghetti into each bowl and top with several meatballs and plenty of sauce. Finish with a heavy sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and serve immediately for a dinner the whole family will love.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey makes a leaner meatball that kids still enjoy
- jarred marinara sauce → homemade tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning work perfectly
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overmixing the meatball mixture which makes the meatballs dense and tough instead of tender
- Boiling the spaghetti too far in advance which causes it to clump together before serving
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 28g protein, 55g carbs, 18g fat, 4g fiber.
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