Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Taste of Childhood
- Eliane Muskus
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Nothing beats homemade spaghetti and meatballs—a dish filled with warmth, comfort, and memories. For me, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic trip back to my childhood. I still remember walking through the door after school, greeted by the heavenly aroma of my mom’s cooking. An outstanding cook, she prepared everything from scratch—freshly made tomato sauce, perfectly seasoned meatballs, and spaghetti cooked just right. It was love served on a plate, and I’m excited to share her legacy with this recipe that brings that same comfort to every bite.
Best Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
This classic dish is the ultimate comfort food! Follow this easy recipe to create tender meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti.
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (500g) ground beef
1 lb (500g) ground pork (optional, for added flavor)
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 large eggs
1/2 cupb freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For the Spaghetti:
1 lb (500g) spaghetti
Salt for boiling water
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overmix.
2. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
1. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, spooning sauce over the meatballs occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
1. Toss the spaghetti in the tomato sauce or plate it separately and top with meatballs and sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
Tips for Success
Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meatball mixture can make them tough.
Simmer Low and Slow: Letting the sauce cook gently enhances its depth of flavor.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete Italian feast. Buon appetito!
