Easy Spaghetti & Meatballs is a classic dish made simple. Al dente spaghetti noodles are mixed with fresh marinara sauce, tender, flavorful meatballs, and sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Easy Spaghetti & Meatballs is the ideal Italian comfort food, especially for a romantic dinner for two!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped, plus more for serving
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 pounds ground “meatloaf mix” (equal parts ground beef, pork, and veal)
- 3/4 cup dried Italian style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving
- 1 (32 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Set an oven rack in the middle position.
Step 3 –In a large bowl, whisk the egg, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, and water together.
Step 4 –Add the meat, bread crumbs, and cheese, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork it and feel free to use your hands.
Step 5 –Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 6 –Bake the meatballs for about 10 minutes.
Step 7 –Remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a metal spatula to turn the meatballs. They will stick a bit but should release easily when you scrape under them with the spatula.
Step 8 –Put the meatballs back in the oven and cook until browned and almost cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Step 9 –Bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large skillet on the stove-top.
Step 10 –Taste the sauce for seasoning.
Step 11 –Transfer the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce, leaving the fat behind on the baking sheet.
Step 12 –Cover the skillet loosely with a lid or foil and simmer until the flavors combine and the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Keep the sauce and meatballs warm until ready to toss with the pasta.
Step 13 –Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Step 14 –Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions.
Step 15 –Drain the pasta.
Step 16 –Toss the pasta with the sauce and meatballs.
Step 17 –Serve topped with fresh basil and grated cheese.
