Go Back

Grandpa’s Spaghetti & Meatballs

A cozy and quick recipe for spaghetti and meatballs, perfect for busy nights and family gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use either based on preference
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Can substitute with crushed crackers or oats
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Add more if needed
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes One can
  • 1 teaspoon sugar To balance the acidity
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Optional, but recommended

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands and mix until combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter.
Cooking Meatballs
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they're brown all over.
Making the Sauce
  1. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, and sauté the diced onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add the meatballs back into the skillet for another 10-15 minutes.
Cooking the Spaghetti
  1. While the sauce is simmering, cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Serving
  1. Plate the spaghetti, top with the meatballs and sauce, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

For thicker sauce, add a splash of pasta water. These meatballs can be used for subs as leftovers.