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This dish brings together all the best parts of a cozy pasta night — juicy, flavorful meatballs, a garlicky tomato sauce, and spaghetti that soaks it all up. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and always a hit.
⏱️ Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30–40 minutes
- Total time: ~1 hour
🍽️ Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet (optional, for oven-baked meatballs)
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix with pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes or passata
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried basil or oregano (optional)
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Fresh basil or parsley & Parmesan for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground meat, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Roll into 1 ½-inch balls. You should get ~16–18 meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs
- Option 1 (Skillet): Heat oil in a large skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 6–8 min), then remove and set aside.
- Option 2 (Oven): Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 min, until browned and cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet or pot, sauté onion in olive oil until soft (3–4 min).
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, herbs, sugar, salt & pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 15–20 minutes, until cooked through and flavors combine.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil or a bit of the sauce.
5. Serve
- Plate spaghetti and spoon meatballs and sauce on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan.
🧮 Nutrition (per serving – approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650–750 kcal |
| Protein | ~30 g |
| Carbs | ~60 g |
| Fat | ~35 g |
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use a meat mix: 50/50 beef and pork gives juicier meatballs.
- Add wine: Deglaze pan with a splash of red wine before adding tomatoes.
- Make ahead: Meatballs freeze beautifully — raw or cooked.
- No breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers or rolled oats.
