Introduction
Few things can beat the comforting aroma of Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs simmering on the stove. This classic dish brings together tender, flavorful meatballs and a rich, tomato-based sauce, perfect for serving over a plate of spaghetti. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe guarantees a hearty, delicious meal that everyone will love. The meatballs are juicy, the sauce is flavorful, and when combined with perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a match made in Italian food heaven!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or Italian sausage)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Spaghetti Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lb spaghetti (for serving)
Preparing the Dish
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then pour into the meat mixture.
- Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix to ensure the meatballs remain tender.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. The meatballs don’t need to cook through completely yet, just enough to get a nice brown crust.
- Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Spaghetti Sauce
- In the same skillet (add a little more oil if needed), sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, mixing well.
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and stir. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season with dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat.
Step 4: Add Meatballs to the Sauce
- Carefully place the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce.
- Cover and let the meatballs cook in the sauce on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
- While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over a generous plate of spaghetti.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy with garlic bread or a side salad for a full Italian experience!
Tips for the Best Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs
Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavors in both the sauce and the meatballs, making the dish taste like it’s straight out of an Italian restaurant.
Don’t Overwork the Meatballs
To keep your meatballs tender and juicy, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the meat can make them dense and tough.
Let the Sauce Simmer
The longer you let the sauce simmer, the richer and more flavorful it will become. If you have extra time, let it cook low and slow for up to an hour.
Make it Ahead
This sauce and meatballs recipe gets even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time for easy meal prep. It also freezes well!
Variations
Spicy Meatballs
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the meatball mixture. You can also add them to the sauce for extra heat.
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs
If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken. The result will be just as delicious, but with fewer calories.
Vegetarian Version
For a meatless alternative, try using plant-based meat or lentils in place of the ground meat. The sauce remains the same, and you’ll have a vegetarian-friendly version of this classic dish.
Conclusion
Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs is a timeless, comforting dish that brings people together around the dinner table. The juicy meatballs combined with a rich and savory sauce, all served over al dente spaghetti, make for a meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!