DIY Spaghetti and Meatballs

There’s nothing quite like a comforting plate of homemade spaghetti and meatballs to bring everyone together. This simple recipe is perfect for a cozy night in and will have you enjoying classic Italian flavors in no time.

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TIME3 hr 15 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Sauce: 1 (29 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes 19 fluid ounces tomato juice 1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste 1 large onion, chopped 2 tablespoons dried parsley 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon dried thyme ¼ teaspoon ground cloves Meatballs: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef 16 soda crackers, crushed 2 eggs, beaten 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 large clove garlic, crushed 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, mix together the tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, onion, parsley, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, thyme, and cloves in a big pot. Bring it all to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about an hour to an hour and a half.

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Step 2

While the sauce is cooking, grab a bowl and combine the ground beef, crackers, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and thyme. Shape the mixture into large meatballs and place them on a broiler pan. Pop them in the oven and bake until they’re nicely browned and cooked through, around 30 minutes.

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Step 3

Once the meatballs are done, carefully add them into the simmering sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 2 and a half hours so the flavors really meld.

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Step 4

When you’re close to ready to eat, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the spaghetti and cook it until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite—usually about 12 minutes. Drain the pasta well.

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Step 5

Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Simmer the sauce gently to develop a rich, deep flavor without burning it.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines tender meatballs with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a classic favorite that brings warmth and joy to the table. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to customize flavors to your liking.

Serving ideas

Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables also pair well to balance the meal with freshness.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the meatballs moist and the sauce flavorful. For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw overnight before reheating.