Classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe that brings everyone together

Few dishes bring people together quite like a steaming bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. It’s a simple comfort classic that blends rich flavours, tradition, and the joy of sharing a home-cooked meal.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or hosting an intimate dinner, this hearty dish never fails to impress.

While spaghetti and meatballs are often associated with Italian cuisine, the dish as we know it today was born in the kitchens of Italian immigrants in early 20th-century America.

They combined beloved Old-World ingredients — pasta, tomato sauce, and meat — in a new, heartier way suited to what was available in their adopted country. The result was a comforting, family-friendly staple that remains a symbol of togetherness to this day.

But the secret to unforgettable spaghetti and meatballs lies in balance — rich sauce, tender meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta. “It’s a simple combination, but when each component shines, the whole meal sings.”

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 500g ground beef

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

• ½ cup milk

• 1 egg

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

• 1 tsp salt

Other Topics To Read

• Food
• Recipe
• spaghetti
• meatballs
• Italian cuisine
• home-cooked meal
• Classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe that brings everyone together
• Lifestyle

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Oil, for frying

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cans (400g each) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the pasta:

• 500g spaghetti

• Salt, for boiling water

• Grated Parmesan, to serve

Steps to Follow

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 5 minutes. Add the beef, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into balls about the size of a golf ball and set aside.

Step 2:

Heat oil in a large skillet or sufuria over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same pan, heat oil and sauté the onions until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, and chilli flakes. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs.

Step 4:

Cover and cook on low heat for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are tender.

Step 5:

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain but do not rinse, especially with cold water. Toss lightly with a bit of sauce to prevent sticking.

Step 6:

Plate the spaghetti, top with generous spoonfuls of sauce and meatballs, and finish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately with garlic bread and a side salad.

Enjoy.

So, next time you’re cooking for friends or family, let this timeless favourite take centre stage — a dish made for laughter, stories, and second helpings.