Hearty Spaghetti and Meatballs

Updated 29 July, 2024

By Rebecca St. Clair

Spaghetti and Meatballs is one of those cozy comfort foods that seems to be universally loved by kids and adults alike. This easy delicious dinner is made using only simple ingredients.

This version is extra hearty and flavourful with protein packed beef and tomato sauce, plus a generous helping of tender meatballs.

This nostalgic dish pairs perfectly with warm garlic bread and a simple side salad for cozy family friendly meal or a dinner that will have your guests liking their plates clean!

The recipe

This wonderful, old, stained paper, with my grandmother’s handwriting scrawled across it, is titled ‘Spiggetta meatballs’. I’m not sure if this was a typo for spaghetti, or if that’s really what it’s called. Regardless, Georgia’s Spiggetta Meatballs (spaghetti and meatballs) remains a classic.

This recipe is equally delicious, whether you are making it with fresh tomatoes and homemade pasta, or if you opt for canned tomatoes with packaged noodles!

How to store spaghetti and meatballs

Fridge

It is best to store the cooked noodles separately from them sauce and meatballs. Store both in airtight containers and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer

The sauce and meatballs in this recipe freeze very well!

It is best to prepare fresh noodles when you are ready to enjoy your sauce and meatballs.

To freeze the sauce and meatballs together

• Allow the sauce and meatball mixture to come to room temperature.
• Package into an airtight container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I make spaghetti and meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce with the meatballs and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You can also prepare the meatballs, cooked or uncooked, ahead of time and freeze them in an airtight container for 3 months.

Can I make spaghetti and meatballs with fresh tomatoes

Yes! Fresh tomato sauce is delicious and easy to make!

To make a simple tomato sauce with garden fresh tomatoes

Step 1

Simply slice your tomatoes into chunks and simmer in a covered pot until they are tender and able to be mashed. (About 30 mins)

Step 2

Cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender.

*Alternatively, if you do not like any skin in your sauce:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil in a large saucepan and get ready a bowl with cold water and ice.
• Score the bottom of the tomato skin with an X.
• Place the tomatoes, a few at a time, in the boiling water for about 30 seconds.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and place in an ice bath.
• Once cool enough to handle, you can easily remove the skins. After this step you can then cook the tomatoes as in Step 1.

How to make hearty spaghetti and meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 lb lean ground beef 450 g

1/3 cup bread crumbs 80 ml

3 Tablespoons cream (anything between 10% and 35% will work) 45 ml

2 cloves crushed garlic

salt and pepper (to taste)

oil

Sauce

2 cloves garlic

1 lb ground beef 450 g

½ teaspoon red chili flakes 2.5 ml

½ teaspoon dried oregano 2.5 ml

1 can tomato paste 156 ml

1 can crushed tomatoes 796 ml

½ teaspoon brown sugar 2.5 ml

Spaghetti noodles 227 g

½ teaspoon dry basil or 3-4 leaves fresh 2.5 ml

Fresh or dried parsley to garnish (optional)

Parmesan cheese (to taste)

Method

Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the meatballs, not including the oil.
2. Use your hands to toss and mix everything together.
3. Preheat a large pan medium heat.
4. Form the meat into small bite-sized balls.
5. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
6. Fry the meatballs on all sides. Don’t over crowed the pan. Cook until lightly browned, turning a few times. (You will have to do this step in batches.)
7. Remove to a plate and set aside. The meatballs will not be fully cooked at this point.

Sauce

1. Brown the ground beef, crumbling it up as you go.
2. Add in the crushed garlic and fry along with the beef.
3. Sprinkle in the chili fakes and dried oregano.

1. Stir in 1 can of tomato paste and the canned tomatoes.
2. Add back into the pot the browned meatballs. Press them gently down into the sauce, so they do not break apart. (They are still quite delicate until fully cooked.)
3. Cover and turn the heat down to low.
4. Cook covered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If it starts to becomes too thick, add water.
5. Stir in the brown sugar. Cover and cook another 10-15 minutes. (This is when you cook the noodles.)
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions.
7. Drain the noodles and plate.
8. Spoon a generous helping of sauce over the noodles and place some meatballs on top.
9. Sprinkle with some freshly chopped basil, parsley, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Craving some more comfort food recipes? Try one of these! comfort food

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