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Homemade Perfect Spaghetti & meatballs photo

Perfect Spaghetti & meatballs

This Perfect Spaghetti & Meatballs is a comforting classic! Rich meatballs with a luscious tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Beef, Comfort Food, Pasta
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 2400 grams chopped tomatoes (preferably of Italian origin)
  • 1 whole onion (peeled and cut in half)
  • 50 grams salted butter
  • 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

For the Meatballs:

  • 500 grams beef mince (preferably free-range)
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 whole free-range egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I used panko)
  • 1/2 cup seedless raisins
  • 10 grams parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 clove garlic (crushed)

For Serving:

  • 300 grams spaghetti (cooked al dente)
  • to serve Additional Parmesan to serve

Instructions

Instructions:

  • Start by melting the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved onion to the pan and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. If using, sprinkle in the dried chili flakes to add a touch of heat.
  • Pour in the 2400 grams of chopped tomatoes, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently while you prepare the meatballs, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mince, dried oregano, tomato paste, egg, grated Parmesan or Pecorino, breadcrumbs, seedless raisins, chopped parsley, and crushed garlic. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 12-15 meatballs from this mixture. If desired, you can place them on a baking tray for easier handling.
  • Once your sauce has simmered for about 10 minutes, gently add the meatballs to the skillet. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the noodles in the rich sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling spaghetti
  • Large skillet or frying pan for sauce
  • Mixing bowl for meatball mixture
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
  • Chef’s knife for chopping
  • Baking tray for meatballs (optional)

Notes

  • Swap beef mince for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • For a vegetarian version, use plant-based mince and replace the egg with a flax egg.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as basil or thyme for added flavor.