Best Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe for Busy Nights
If you’re looking for a dinner idea that checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and comforting—this spaghetti and meatballs recipe is it. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant.
When my kids come home asking, “What’s for dinner?” this is one recipe I know will put smiles on their faces. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are even better the next day, making it a win-win in my book. Who doesn’t love a dish that tastes amazing and saves you time?
Your Grocery List
- Spaghetti noodles
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Egg
- Garlic (fresh or powdered)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, lucky you! Spaghetti and meatballs store beautifully and make for an easy next-day meal. Let everything cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the meatballs and sauce separate from the spaghetti if possible, so the pasta doesn’t soak up too much sauce.
Stored in the fridge, leftovers will last up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, put the sauce and meatballs in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of room for expansion. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of water to the sauce if it’s too thick.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
The secret to tender meatballs is using a mix of breadcrumbs and milk to lock in moisture. This keeps the meatballs from drying out as they cook. Don’t overwork the meat mixture—just mix until everything comes together. When forming the meatballs, try to keep them uniform in size (about 1.5 inches) so they cook evenly.
Making It Your Own
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or mix in some pork for extra flavor. Prefer gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta. If you love extra spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes when you’re simmering the sauce.
Additional Tips
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition: Approximately 450 calories per serving
Drink pairing: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a sparkling lemon soda.
Dessert pairing: Cannoli or a rich chocolate mousse to finish on a sweet note.
Best Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups marinara sauce Your favorite pre-made or homemade
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on a plate or tray.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned.
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet, cover, and simmer the meatballs for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with some of the marinara sauce, plate it, and top with meatballs. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley if desired.
