Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of Italian-American comfort food like Spaghetti and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce. Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky marinara sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti, is a timeless combination that has been loved for generations.

This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The aroma of meatballs browning in the pan and sauce simmering away is enough to make everyone gather in the kitchen before it’s even ready.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something timeless and comforting about spaghetti and meatballs, and this classic version with marinara sauce captures that perfectly. What I love most about this recipe is how it combines tender, flavorful meatballs with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a rich, homemade marinara sauce. Each bite is a satisfying mix of savory meat, hearty pasta, and tangy, tomato-based sauce that warms the soul.

This recipe is a celebration of classic Italian comfort food. The meatballs are seasoned just right, creating depth of flavor that complements the sweet and tangy marinara sauce, while the spaghetti acts as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious juices. The dish is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for family dinners or special occasions.

For me, this dish is a must-have because it’s more than just pasta and meatballs—it’s a comforting, homey meal that brings joy to the table. The combination of flavors, textures, and aromas creates a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it a dish that everyone looks forward to and loves sharing.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce is a classic, hearty, and comforting dish that never goes out of style. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. Perfectly Seasoned Meatballs – Juicy, flavorful meatballs create a savory centerpiece that pairs beautifully with pasta and sauce.
2. Rich, Homemade Marinara – The tangy, aromatic sauce ties the dish together, providing a fresh and comforting flavor in every bite.
3. Timeless Comfort Food – Warm, filling, and satisfying, this dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply a cozy meal at home.
4. Easy Yet Impressive – With accessible ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that feels homemade and gourmet at the same time.
5. Family & Crowd Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a dish that brings people together and always leaves everyone satisfied.

Trying this recipe guarantees a delicious, comforting, and unforgettable meal that will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~550 calories per serving (approximate, may vary)

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (or more beef if preferred)
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
• Salt for pasta water

For Garnish:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil leaves

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
2. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix or meatballs will be dense.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

1. Roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
2. Place on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides (about 5 minutes total).
3. Remove meatballs and set aside (they will finish cooking in the sauce).

Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce

1. In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed.
2. Sauté onion until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
5. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

1. Gently return meatballs to the sauce.
2. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and flavors meld.

Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

How to Serve

Serve meatballs and sauce over a bed of spaghetti. Garnish generously with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil. Add garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Additional Tips & Variations

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef/pork for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cheesy Surprise: Insert a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking.
• Herb Boost: Add fresh basil and oregano at the end of cooking for a burst of flavor.
• Extra Flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning meatballs.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl (for meatballs)
• Large skillet or Dutch oven (for browning and sauce)
• Large pot (for pasta)

FAQ

Q: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes until cooked through, then simmer in sauce.

Q: Can I use store-bought marinara?
Yes, but homemade gives fresher flavor. If using jarred sauce, add extra garlic and herbs.

Q: How do I keep meatballs tender?
Use fresh breadcrumbs soaked in a little milk before mixing and avoid overworking the meat.

Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead?
Absolutely — shape and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Conclusion

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce is a classic for a reason — it’s hearty, flavorful, and universally loved. Whether you make it for a Sunday family dinner or a midweek treat, the combination of tender meatballs, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is pure comfort on a plate. Once you’ve made it from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to frozen or canned versions.