Spaghetti & Meatballs with Rich Marinara Sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that has been a beloved comfort food for generations. Combining tender spaghetti, juicy homemade meatballs, and a rich, savory marinara sauce, this dish is the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and aroma.

Homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce create a hearty, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. The spaghetti serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the savory sauce, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds the finishing touch.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s classic, comforting, and full of flavor. The combination of perfectly seasoned meatballs with rich marinara sauce creates a dish that’s hearty and satisfying.

Making the sauce and meatballs from scratch allows control over seasoning, texture, and richness. It’s a dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s the ultimate comfort food. The tender, flavorful meatballs combined with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta create a classic Italian experience at home.

It’s satisfying, hearty, and universally loved. Making it from scratch elevates the dish far beyond store-bought alternatives.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional, for added flavor)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying, optional if baking)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• Salt, for pasta water

Optional Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.
3. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Option 1: Pan-Frying

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Remove meatballs and set aside; they will finish cooking in the sauce.

Option 2: Baking

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Gently add cooked meatballs to the marinara sauce.
2. Simmer together for 10–15 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and return to the pot or serve directly on plates.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate spaghetti and spoon meatballs and marinara sauce on top.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil.
3. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.

Recipe Tips

• Meatball Texture: Don’t overmix the meat — it keeps meatballs tender.
• Breadcrumbs: Use fresh or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
• Sauce Flavor: Simmer the sauce longer for richer flavor; add a splash of red wine for depth.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds saltiness and umami; Pecorino Romano works well too.
• Make Ahead: Meatballs and sauce can be prepared a day in advance; reheat gently before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken for a lighter version.
2. Vegetarian: Use lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat alternatives for the meatballs.
3. Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to meatball mixture or sauce.
4. Cheesy Meatballs: Insert a cube of mozzarella into each meatball before cooking.
5. Slow Cooker Version: Simmer meatballs in sauce on low for 3–4 hours for enhanced flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in fridge, then reheat gently on stove. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or baking sheet for meatballs
• Large pot for marinara sauce
• Large pot for cooking spaghetti
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use all beef instead of a mix of beef and pork?
Yes — it works well, but a beef/pork mix adds extra flavor and tenderness.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs.

Q3: Can I freeze the cooked spaghetti with sauce?
It’s better to freeze meatballs and sauce separately; cooked pasta may become mushy when frozen.

Q4: Can I prepare meatballs ahead of time?
Yes — meatballs can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Q5: Can I use store-bought marinara?
Yes — homemade sauce is recommended for best flavor, but quality store-bought marinara works too.

Conclusion

Spaghetti & Meatballs with Rich Marinara Sauce is a classic, hearty, and comforting dish that brings together tender meatballs, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a timeless recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave homemade Italian comfort food.

Its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and versatility make it a must-have in your recipe collection — a dish that’s both traditional and absolutely delicious.