The sound of a sauce gently bubbling on the stove has a way of slowing the entire house down. Rich tomato aroma fills the kitchen, meatballs simmer softly, and suddenly it feels like Sunday dinner, no matter what day it is. This Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs recipe brings that comforting, old world feeling straight to your table, where every bite tastes slow cooked, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
This is not a rushed sauce. It is layered, fragrant, and full of warmth. Tender meatballs soak up the tomato richness while herbs and garlic weave everything together into a sauce that clings beautifully to spaghetti.
Ingredients List
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cooked spaghetti
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Substitution Suggestions
Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs. Gluten free breadcrumbs work well for gluten free needs. For a dairy free version, skip Parmesan or use plant based cheese.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
While the sauce simmers, it requires minimal attention, making it ideal for busy days when you want something comforting.
How to Make It
Step 1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, then roll into even sized balls.
Step 2. Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3. Build the Sauce
In the same pot, sauté onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, and basil.
Step 4. Simmer Together
Return meatballs to the sauce. Lower heat and simmer gently, allowing flavors to develop and meatballs to become tender.
Step 5. Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and serve topped with sauce and meatballs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
This dish provides a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates, offering long lasting energy and comfort.
Healthier Alternatives
Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber. Reduce meatball size and increase tomato sauce for a lighter version. Swap beef with lean turkey for lower fat content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds brightness just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing meatball mixture leads to dense texture. Cooking sauce on high heat can cause bitterness. Skipping sugar may result in overly acidic sauce.
Storing Tips
Refrigeration
Store sauce and meatballs in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezing
Freeze sauce and meatballs separately or together for up to three months.
Conclusion
This Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs recipe captures the heart of classic comfort cooking. Slow simmered, richly flavored, and endlessly satisfying, it is the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table, again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (205°C) until lightly browned before adding to sauce.
2. Why simmer the sauce so long?
Slow simmering deepens flavor and tenderizes meatballs.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, peeled and crushed fresh tomatoes work well.
4. How do I prevent dry meatballs?
Avoid overmixing and simmer gently in sauce.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the flavor improves after a day in the fridge.
6. Is this freezer friendly?
Yes, both sauce and meatballs freeze beautifully.
7. What pasta works best besides spaghetti?
Penne, rigatoni, or linguine are excellent alternatives.