Make the best Spaghetti and Meatballs in homemade marinara sauce from scratch with this incredible recipe. These are amazing “WOW” factor MEATBALLS – so tasty and juicy and BIG. I’m sharing all of my secrets for incredibly tender and flavorful meatballs with an easy-to-follow video below.
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Helpful Reader Review
“If there is 10 stars, I would’ve given it. The meatballs is soooo unbelievably good. Moist, juicy, succulent. I cannot thank you enough for this recipe. xoxo” – Julina ★★★★★
Spaghetti and Meatballs Video
Watch me make Spaghetti and Meatballs from scratch with my easy recipe and timeless technique. Even beginners can master my easy recipe.
Best Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
This is seriously the best spaghetti meatball recipe I’ve ever tried. Store-bought meatballs can’t touch these (cue M.C. Hammer), and they are incredibly easy to make. Pair with a Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread, and dinner is made.
First, I mix together a super-flavorful meatball using the best kitchen tool–your hands (or your KitchenAid if your muscles need a break). Then, after I brown the meat, I finish these up by simmering them in the super yummy and easy homemade marinara sauce made in the very same pot as I cooked the meatballs–that means fewer dishes.
This recipe tastes authentic and complex, but it’s completely beginner-friendly! It is also great for meal prep and to-go lunches since it freezes and reheats really well.
Ingredients for Meatballs
The secret to getting uber tender meatballs is bread; yes, bread. And the secret to getting uber flavorful meatballs is using a combination of meats: lean ground beef with sweet Italian sausage. This combo gives such depth of flavor and the perfect texture. It makes 22-23 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Bread absorbs moisture, so the meatballs are super juicy and hold together nicely. White bread is best, but you can use whole wheat or other soft sliced bread. You can also use gluten-free bread.
- Lean ground beef – 7% to 15% fat content, which makes for the best texture, perfectly moist without being greasy.
- Italian sausage adds extra flavor to the meatballs. If you can’t find ground sausage, you can buy sausages and remove the casings.
- Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated parmesan or finely shredded
- Egg – egg binds all the ingredients together so the meatballs don’t fall apart when cooking. You can omit the egg, but the meatballs will be more delicate.
- Flour – all-purpose flour works great to create a nice browned crust on the meatballs. You can substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour.
Ingredients for Easy Marinara Sauce
After browning the meatballs, you’ll make this easy marinara sauce right in the same pot. It only takes 5 ingredients, so opt for better-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Onion and garlic – staple Italian ingredients! It seems like a lot of chopped onion, but they shrink considerably when cooked
- Crushed tomatoes – If you use “Crushed tomatoes with basil,” you can omit the fresh basil if desired
- Bay leaves – these are optional if you don’t have them on hand, but they lend a depth of flavor
- Basil – Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor. You can substitute with 1 1/2 tsp dry basil, but add it to the sauce at the beginning of simmering.
- Pasta – We use spaghetti for that classic bite, but you can substitute your favorite pasta, like homemade pasta, linguine, or angel hair pasta. You can also use Spaghetti Squash.
How to Make Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs
My spaghetti and meatballs recipe is so simple to make in about an hour! First, we’ll make the meatballs, then the sauce, and then we’ll simmer the two together while boiling pasta. Follow along below.
- Soak the cut bread in 2/3 cup water and then mash together with a fork.
- Mix – In a large mixing bowl (while I often use my hands, feel free to use a stand mixer to do the work), add all the remaining meatball ingredients except for the flour.
- Brown the meatballs – Use your hands or an ice cream scoop to roll 1 1/2″ meatballs, and then lightly coat in flour. In a deep, large skillet or a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. When hot, cook meatballs in batches until each side is browned (2 minutes per side). Set aside browned meatballs to finish cooking in the sauce.
How to Make Marinara Sauce
Use the same pan for the sauce to sop up all the great flavor from browning the meatballs.
- Saute the chopped onion, stirring often until soft and golden (5 minutes). Add minced garlic and stir 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomatoes and bay leaves, and then bring to a light boil (stir periodically to keep the sauce from splattering).
- Add all of the meatballs back into the sauce, and lower the temperature to cook at a gentle simmer for 30 minutes. Stir basil, salt, and pepper into the sauce 5 minutes before it’s done. Remove the bay leaf before serving over al dente spaghetti noodles.
Pro Tip:
While the meatballs and sauce simmer in step 3, use another pot to cook the pasta according to package directions. It should be ready just in time! See my quick directions below.
Combine with Pasta and Serve
While some Italians eat meatballs as a side dish, Americans love a heaping plate of saucy pasta and meatballs served together. Here’s how I serve spaghetti and meatballs.
- Cook the pasta in salted, boiling water until al dente or softer if your family loves it that way! Truth be told, I love slightly overcooked pasta. Drain pasta and return it to the empty pot.
- Pour the saucy meatballs over the spaghetti and toss gently until covered in sauce. Plate in a large bowl and garnish with basil and parmesan. Serve with Garlic Bread and Roasted Broccoli.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Spaghetti and Meatballs keep well in the fridge to serve later or for meal planning. Let everything come to room temperature, and then store in an airtight container.
- Make Ahead: Meatballs in sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and toss with pasta.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freezing: For meal prep, it’s best to freeze the meatballs in sauce separately from the pasta for up to 3 months. You can also freeze leftover combined spaghetti and meatballs for 2-3 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat in the microwave or pan on the stove, stirring gently until heated through. Add a splash of water to re-moisten.
Traditional Spaghetti and Meatballs is the best family-style, crowd-pleasing meal to serve, and this recipe makes it easier than ever to make the whole meal from scratch in just an hour! Impress your family with this timeless Italian comfort food.
Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients for Meatballs (makes 22-23 meatballs):
- 3 slices white bread, (crusts removed), diced or torn to pieces
- 2/3 cup cold water
- 1 lb lean ground beef, (7%-15% fat)
- 1 lb Sweet Ground Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, to dredge meatballs
- 3 Tbsp Light olive oil to saute, or use vegetable oil
Ingredients for Sauce:
- 1 medium yellow onion, (1 cup chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes, (from 2 – 28 oz cans)
- 2 bay leaves, optional
- Salt & pepper , to taste
- 2 Tbsp basil, finely minced, plus more to garnish
Other Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
Instructions
How to Make the Best Italian Meatballs:
- Soak – Combine bread pieces with 2/3 cup water and set aside for 5 minutes, then mash with a fork.
- Mix – In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer with paddle attachment, add: 1 lb ground beef, 1 lb sausage, 1/4 cup parmesan, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 egg, and mashed breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined.
- Brown the meatballs – Form into 1 1/2" meatballs (about a flat ice cream scoop of meat). Dredge/roll meatballs in flour, dusting off excess. Heat a deep, large, heavy skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat with about 3 Tbsp oil. Add meatballs in 2 batches without crowding the pan and saute until browned on all sides (about 6 min total or 2 min per side). Remove meatballs and set aside (don't worry about cooking through at this point).
How to Make Marinara Sauce:
- Saute onion – In the same skillet over medium heat, add more oil if needed and saute 1 cup chopped onion, stirring often until soft and golden (5 min). Add 4 cloves minced garlic and stir 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a light boil (stir to make sure it's actually boiling and not just sending bubbles to the surface).
- Add meatballs back into the pan with tomato sauce, partially cover and cook at a gentle simmer for 30 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally. Meatballs will be tender, and the sauce will be thickened. A few minutes before the sauce is done, stir in chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. While meatballs simmer, make the pasta.
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente (or to desired doneness), drain, and return to the empty pot.
- Toss together – Pour sauce and meatballs over spaghetti and toss gently to combine. To serve family-style, transfer to a large platter, garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Family-Favorite Pasta Recipes
- Homemade Lasagna
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo
- Penne Alla Vodka
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Chicken Florentine Pasta
- Baked Feta Pasta
- Chicken Orzo Bake
I made last night for my party of 6/ mother-in-laws’ 90th birthday dinner. It was a dish soft enough for her to eat (dental issues) and absolutely packed with perfect
Italian flavor! It was so darn delicious! With a good red wine, candle light, and Italian music in the background, It made for a perfect special occasion dinner better than any Restaurant! And 10 plus times cheaper! I rolled mine in flour and baked them on parchment paper @ 350 for 15 min., then turn, then another 10 minutes as suggested in one fo the reviews. The Parchment paper soaked up some of the sausage grease. I served with an Italian spring green mix salad with olives and banana peppers etc. that I found online. I plan to make this again for another Party of 6 (invite 2 other couples over) for a Holiday dinner gathering. And this time pull out my mothers China (that I never use!) It’s a keeper!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review! Please wish your mother in law a happy 90th Birthday!
Hi Natasha…this recipe looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it! One question…you had a wonderful cheese grater that I am interested in and I couldn’t find the link. Can you send that to me?
Hi Cheryl, it’s one of our favorite tools for dinners – so fancy and fun! Here is the link to the grater.
Amazing Recipe! The meatballs are so flavourful. Can you please tell me how you store the block of parmesan cheese?
Hi Tanya, It should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator.
This is an outstanding recipe and is very similar to how I make mine. Depending on the acidity of the crushed tomatoes, I use Cento and stir in 1/4 tsp of baking soda to smooth it out. For anyone that likes great spaghetti and meatballs, look no further as this will have you saying “mama mia”!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!
Hi Natasha! This looks amazing! One question, can sausage can be substituted by any other meat? Trying to avoid pork:)
Hi Marina. I think that should work too!
Which meat would work best if not sausage?
Hi Marina, I’m sure there is a variety you can try like a mix of pork and turkey?
Hi Natasha! Just wanted to say thank you! I found my passion for cooking after reading and applying your recipes! Every dish is a hit! I was born in Ukraine too and even though my mom is an AMAZING cook, she’s now taking tips from me ( after I’m taking tips from you…hehe)
Hi Julia, that’s so great! I’m so inspired reading your feedback, thank you!
Hey natasha, my boyfriend is allergic to spices. Would it still be tasty if i ommitted the garlic? Thanks.
You are welcome to although it will change the flavor profile a bit.
We have been enjoying this recipe for a few months, the meatballs tender with a wonderful flavor and very good sauce. The second time I made it, I doubled the meatball portion of the recipe so I’d have them on hand for a night I only had time to make the sauce or for meatball subs. They freeze very well. So I’ve made the double batches a couple of times. Over the weekend I had the bright idea of tripling the meatball portion, seemed like such a good idea. So yesterday I got started on it, had thirty meatballs ready to cook, then I had to leave unexpectedly for the afternoon, so they went in the fridge with the remaining meat mix. This morning I started cooking and shaping more meatballs. Cooked the first thirty on the stove top as usual and realized I would be cooking for three days! I wanted to try baking them, checked the comments and found at least two of you had baked them – thank you! I was able to fit 42 slightly smaller meatballs on a cookie sheet, baked at 350 for 15 minutes, turned them and baked for another 10 minutes. If we had not been snacking on them, I’d have had 204 meatballs for the freezer (the first 30 are in the sauce right now). I baked them with and without dredging them in the flour, very good either way. I think they cooked up just a bit more without flour. Both ways were still moist and tender.
Thank you Natasha for sharing this wonderful recipe!!
Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Lottie!
Just WOW! I just made your recipe as written except I doubled the meatball ingredients because my hubby enjoys bowling balls in his sauce. And he LOVED it!!!! I can’t thank you enough. I’m already planning to double, triple, quadruple (and beyond!) your recipe for our parties. We usually have 4 or 5 each year and I know this will be a big hit. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!
Best spaghetti and meatballs ever! Never thought a simple sauce could be so delicious.
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Lisa!
I love your amazing body language and room lighting smile! Your recipes show the love you bring to the table… thank you for your nourishing energy! It’s just amazing
I’m so happy you love our recipes! Thank you so much for the fantastic review and your encouraging words. I am smiling big reading your comment, Antonio.
Thanks a lot for the inspiration. No Italian sausage where I live, had to make do with a mixture of beef and pork and linguine, perfect otherwise.
How do I make the sauce thicker when using fresh tomatoes.
Hi Mary, if using fresh tomatoes, it’s best to simmer the homemade marinara sauce for awhile and reduce it down that way before using it in the recipe.
I always use my own canned tomatoes and I add tomato paste to thicken my sauce. Works wonderfully
Thank you for sharing that with us!
I recently canned tomatoes from my garden, first time doing this. Would I need to add anything to the sauce, like sugar, to make it more of a marinara taste?
Hi Karen, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
Add 2 tBsp. dry red wine (Australian Shiraz types work well & are fairly low $) Cook @ 10-15 more minutes with lid off. Another option-all natural- is to wash/de-stone & cut in half one Italian plum. They’re also called “Italian prune plums.” Stew for @ 5-7 minutes, then remove both halves. The natural sugars will remain. No “plummy” taste.
If I divide the recipe in half how do I half an egg
Hello, Yes, I would cut everything in half proportionally or you can use a small-sized egg.
scramble it and use half the liquid
Really good recipe.
Need to translate for my family that they can cook this dish, too. Never had that soft meatballs before. Really really tasty.
Thanks and good wishes from Germany
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review & I hope your family likes it as much as you did!
May I just use regular spaghetti sauce? And just simmer the meatballs for 30 minutes??
Hi Marlanea, are you referring to canned spaghetti sauce not homemade? If so, I haven’t tested that for flavor but I imagine it should work
I love Italian food. These tips are very easy to make delicious spaghetti. keep sharing such delicious food’s recipes. Thank you.
We love Italian food also! Thank you for sharing that awesome feedback!
How good is your beef stroganoff? Mine is just cream of mushroom, lipton onion soup mix and a cup of milk stirred together over sauteed beef stew meat and onions and garlic. Serveable over potatoes or egg noodles. All of your food and recipes are amazing!
One of our favorite comfort meals, Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Can I use ground turkey instead of red meat?
Hi Erin, I haven’t tested that but I imagine it should work.
Delicious!
If I wanted to make much smaller meatballs but not slave away on the stove frying them, how can I bake them? I’m thinking like 1 inch meatballs.
Hi Diana, I haven’t tested these in the oven so I can’t say for sure and bake time would vary based on how large you made your meatballs. I’ll have to experiment and get back with you one I do!
I have baked these at 350° for 15 minutes. Mine were about 1.5 in.
If I can’t find the sweet Italian sausage what can I use as an alternative?
Hi Ronelle, a plain Italian sausage would still work well.
This is absolutely delicious. It has become a family favourite. Thank you, Natasha for sharing this great recipe.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Manon!