Here’s a simple, flavorful, homemade version that’s perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or impressing guests with a rustic Italian favorite.
🍝 Spaghetti and Meatballs
📝 Ingredients
For the meatballs (makes ~16):
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1 lb ground beef (or a 50/50 mix of beef and pork)
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup milk
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1 large egg
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2 tbsp chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1/2 tsp onion powder, pinch of red pepper flakes
For the sauce:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Pasta:
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12–16 oz spaghetti
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Salted water for boiling
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the meatballs:
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In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, milk, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently with your hands (don’t overwork it).
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Roll into 1.5-inch balls and place on a plate or tray.
2. Brown the meatballs:
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Brown meatballs in batches, turning to sear all sides (they don’t need to cook through yet).
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Remove to a plate once browned.
3. Make the sauce:
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In the same pan, sauté onions until soft (about 5 minutes).
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Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, herbs, and a pinch of sugar.
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Bring to a simmer, then return meatballs to the sauce.
4. Simmer:
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Cover and let simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
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Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Cook the pasta:
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While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
6. Serve:
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Spoon meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.
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Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
🧊 Storage Tips
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Meatballs freeze great — freeze in sauce for quick future meals.
🔁 Variations
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Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
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Make it cheesy: nestle mozzarella into the meatballs before cooking.
Let me know if you’d like a sheet pan, slow cooker, or gluten-free version!
