Spaghetti and Meatballs

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s a reason spaghetti and meatballs is considered a classic comfort food. This iconic dish combines the satisfying flavors of perfectly seasoned meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and al dente pasta—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering, or a special occasion, spaghetti and meatballs is always a crowd-pleaser. With its balance of savory, hearty, and comforting ingredients, it’s no wonder this dish has stood the test of time.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create tender, flavorful meatballs and a tangy homemade marinara sauce, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. By making everything from scratch, you’ll elevate this beloved dish and make it even more irresistible.

The Secret to Perfect Meatballs

The key to perfect meatballs lies in the balance of flavors and textures. You want them to be flavorful, moist, and tender on the inside, with a nice, slightly crispy exterior. To achieve this, we’ll use a combination of ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, and herbs. A quick sauté in a hot skillet or oven-baking gives the meatballs a golden crust, while keeping the insides juicy and tender.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying (or you can bake the meatballs)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes, crushed by hand or in a blender)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• Salt, for pasta water

Instructions

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