Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs (Classic Family Dinner)

This easy spaghetti and meatballs recipe combines juicy homemade beef meatballs, rich tomato sauce and tender pasta for a comforting family dinner everyone will love.

RECIPESFAMILY FAVOURITESBUDGET-FRIENDLY RECIPESBUDGET-FRIENDLY FAMILY DINNERSCOMFORT FOOD FAMILY FAVOURITESSIMPLE MEALS FOR ANY TIME OF DAYQUICK WEEKNIGHT DINNERS

9/26/20262 min read

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Serves: 4–6
Best For: Family dinners, weeknight meals, comfort food

A Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs Dinner

This easy spaghetti and meatballs recipe brings together tender homemade meatballs, a rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a comforting family dinner. Everything is made with familiar supermarket ingredients, so you can make a classic pasta meal without turning dinner into an all-day project.

There's something about putting a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs in the middle of the table that feels properly homely. Add some garlic bread, sprinkle over Parmesan and let everyone help themselves — simple food made for sharing.

Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

500 g beef mince
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely grated
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
700 g tomato passata
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

400 g spaghetti
Salt, for the pasta water

Optional:

Fresh parsley or basil
Extra grated Parmesan
Garlic bread, for serving
Chilli flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soften the breadcrumbs. Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Leave for 2–3 minutes until the milk has absorbed.
Make the meatball mixture. Add the beef mince, egg, Parmesan, garlic, grated onion, Italian herbs, salt and pepper.
Shape the meatballs. Gently combine the mixture, then roll into approximately 20–24 small meatballs.
Brown the meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 6–8 minutes, turning until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
Start the sauce. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Cook the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the tomatoes. Stir in the passata, tomato paste, Italian herbs and sugar. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Return the meatballs. Carefully place the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce. Cover and gently simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through.
Cook the spaghetti. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the packet directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Bring everything together. Toss the spaghetti through some of the tomato sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Serve. Divide the spaghetti between bowls and spoon the meatballs and extra tomato sauce over the top.
Finish generously. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Helpful Tips

Don't overwork the meatball mixture or the meatballs can become dense.
Brown the meatballs first for extra flavour before finishing them gently in the sauce.
Reserve some pasta water before draining — it can help loosen the sauce and coat the spaghetti.
Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for an easier future dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

Combines two family favourites into one comforting dinner.
Homemade meatballs stay tender thanks to breadcrumbs and milk.
The meatballs finish cooking directly in the tomato sauce, adding extra flavour.
Uses affordable, readily available supermarket ingredients.
Beginner-friendly despite being completely homemade.
Leftovers reheat well for lunch or dinner the following day.
Naturally connects with several existing Alofa Tunoa pasta and family-dinner recipes.

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