There’s something timeless and comforting about a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Whether it’s Sunday dinner with family or a weeknight craving, this dish brings rich, saucy satisfaction with every twirl of the fork. Today, we’re diving into a foolproof recipe for Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs — complete with juicy, tender meatballs, a rich homemade marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Let’s roll.

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🍅 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• Salted water for boiling

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🍽️ Instructions

Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, pork, garlic, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into golf ball-sized meatballs.

Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5–6 minutes total. They don’t have to be cooked through — they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Simmer Together: Gently place the meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens.

Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain.

Serve: Plate the spaghetti, spoon over sauce and meatballs, and top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Mangia!

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📦 Amazon Must-Haves for Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs

• 🍳 Non-Stick Skillet – Perfect for getting that golden crust on your meatballs.
• 🍝 Stainless Steel Pasta Pot with Strainer – Makes boiling and draining pasta mess-free.
• 🥄 Classic Meatball Scoop – Ensures evenly sized, tender meatballs every time.
• 🥣 Wooden Spoon Set – Gentle on non-stick pans and ideal for stirring rich sauces.
• 🍅 San Marzano-Style Crushed Tomatoes – Rich and sweet—key to an authentic Italian sauce.
• 🧀 Parmesan Cheese Grater – Get fluffy, freshly grated cheese for finishing your dish.
• 🍝 Premium Bronze-Cut Spaghetti – Holds sauce better for that restaurant-quality texture.

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❤️ Why It Works

The classic beef-and-pork meatball blend adds depth and richness, while the breadcrumb-milk panade ensures a juicy bite. Simmering the browned meatballs in tomato sauce enhances flavor and tenderness. Paired with good-quality pasta and Parmesan? You’ve got a dish that feels like an Italian hug.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want some nostalgic comfort, this spaghetti and meatball recipe delivers every time.

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