spaghetti and meatballs sauce recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best spaghetti and meatballs sauce recipe

I’ve been making this spaghetti and meatballs sauce recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making the meatballs from scratch. There’s something about the combination of flavors and textures that just feels like home.

This recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s comforting, it’s easy to make, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I’ve made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a quick Tuesday night dinner. The best part?

It’s actually pretty healthy, considering how much you can get out of just a few ingredients. The ground beef and pork provide plenty of protein, while the veggies add some extra fiber and nutrients. Plus, it’s just so darn delicious that everyone will love it – I promise!

I’ve also noticed that this recipe is great for using up any leftover veggies or herbs you might have on hand. Just toss them in with the meatballs and sauce for added flavor and nutrition. My kids even help with the cleanup afterwards – they love being able to pick out their favorite veggies to add to the dish.

This spaghetti and meatballs sauce recipe is truly a staple in our household.

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Homemade Sauce

4.7 from 1542 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring homemade spaghetti, meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners and easy to make.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 750 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Spaghetti

1 lb spaghetti
Salt for pasta water
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and gently roll the meatballs to coat.
7Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F.
8While the meatballs are baking, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
9Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
10Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
11Stir well to combine.
12Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
13Let the sauce cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
14After the meatballs are done, gently add them to the sauce.
15Stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce, then simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
16Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
17Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
18In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
19Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the oil.
20If the spaghetti is too dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to help it adhere to the oil.
21Plate the spaghetti and top with the meatballs and sauce.
22Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs with Homemade Sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Baking sheet
Large pot
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 750 kcal🧈Total Fat: 35g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 75g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a quicker meal, you can use store-bought meatballs and sauce. For a healthier option, use whole wheat spaghetti and lean ground turkey instead of beef and pork.

One of the best things about this spaghetti and meatballs sauce recipe is how well it stores – just refrigerate or freeze leftovers as needed, then reheat when you’re ready to serve again. When reheating leftovers, be sure to check that they’re hot all the way through before serving again.

You can also customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or herbs – my kids love helping me pick out fresh basil from our garden to add on top of their spaghetti.

This spaghetti and meatballs sauce recipe has been a staple in our household for years now – we love how easy it is to make ahead of time and how versatile it is when serving with different sides or toppings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti and Meatballs with Sauce

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious. If you do decide to use turkey or chicken, make sure to cook it until it’s fully browned and crispy before adding the sauce.

Q: What if I don’t have any tomato paste on hand?

A: No problem! You can omit the tomato paste altogether or substitute it with an equal amount of ketchup or another tomato-based condiment.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time – just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before reheating.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this spaghetti and meatballs sauce recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pasta and skip any added sauces that might contain gluten.

Q: How do I reheat leftover spaghetti?

A: To reheat leftover spaghetti, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl or container and heat on high for about 30-60 seconds – stir occasionally until heated through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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