Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Classic Family Dinner Recipe from Grandma’s Kitchen

Introduction

Discover Grandma’s Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe – a heartfelt Italian-American classic family dinner. Juicy homemade meatballs, rich sauce, and tender pasta make this comfort recipe a timeless favorite. Perfect for cozy nights!

There’s something magical about a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. It’s more than just food – it’s a warm hug from the past, a memory of sitting around the table with family, laughing and sharing stories. This recipe comes straight from my Grandma’s kitchen, where she perfected it over decades. As a kid, I’d watch her roll those homemade meatballs with love, the smell of simmering sauce filling the house. Now, I’m sharing her secrets with you. This Italian-American dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a tradition, a classic family dinner that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your kids or craving a comfort recipe, this spaghetti and meatballs will steal your heart.

Perfect For

This dish is perfect for cozy Sunday dinners, a weeknight treat, or when you want to impress guests with a homemade classic. It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone who loves hearty, soul-warming food. Rainy days, chilly evenings, or any time you need a taste of home – this recipe fits the bill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this spaghetti and meatballs because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. The homemade meatballs are tender and juicy, the sauce is rich and comforting, and the pasta ties it all together perfectly. It’s an Italian-American treasure that feels like a celebration of family. Plus, it’s easy to make, uses everyday ingredients, and fills your home with an irresistible aroma. One bite, and you’ll understand why this comfort recipe has been passed down for generations.

Ingredients You Need for 4 Persons

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1/2 pound ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs (fresh or store-bought)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup whole milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta:

1 pound spaghetti
Salt (for boiling water)

Ingredient Highlights for 4 Persons

Ground Beef and Pork: The mix creates juicy, flavorful homemade meatballs. The fat in the beef keeps them tender, while pork adds richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth to the meatballs.
Crushed Tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce, giving it that classic Italian-American taste.
Garlic: Brings bold flavor to both the meatballs and sauce – don’t skip it!
Spaghetti: The perfect partner, soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Preparation Time – Cooking Time – Total Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Making the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano.
Mix everything with your hands until just combined – don’t overwork it, or the meatballs will get tough.
Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 12-14 meatballs). Set them on a plate.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. They don’t need to cook through yet – just get a nice crust. Remove and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gently place the browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).

Cooking the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Bringing It All Together

Toss the spaghetti with a ladle of sauce to coat it lightly. Divide it among plates.
Top with meatballs and extra sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Table of Calories Per Person (Unit is Gram)

Component	Serving Size (g)	Calories
Spaghetti	100 g	131
Meatballs (3-4 each)	200 g	480
Sauce	150 g	120
Total Per Person	450 g	731

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands or adjustments.

How to Serve

Serve this spaghetti and meatballs hot, straight from the stove. Pile the pasta high on a plate, nestle a few meatballs on top, and spoon over that rich, red sauce. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh parsley adds a finishing touch. Pair it with garlic bread and a simple green salad for the ultimate classic family dinner. Dim the lights, light a candle, and let the comfort recipe work its magic.

How to Store

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the spaghetti separate in its own container to avoid sogginess. To reheat, warm the sauce and meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Microwave the pasta with a drizzle of water to bring it back to life. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce together for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Additional Tips

Wet your hands with water when rolling meatballs to keep the mixture from sticking.
Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust seasoning – a pinch more salt or sugar can make it perfect.
Use a wide skillet for browning meatballs so they don’t crowd and steam.

Additional Tips

For extra flavor, let the sauce simmer longer (up to an hour) if you have time – it deepens the taste.
Fresh breadcrumbs from stale bread work wonders, but store-bought are fine in a pinch.
Don’t skip browning the meatballs – it locks in juices and adds a tasty crust.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili to the sauce.
Cheesy Twist: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella before cooking.
Lighter Version: Swap beef and pork for ground turkey and bake the meatballs at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta – it’s just as delicious.

Special Equipment

You don’t need much, but a few tools make it easier:

Large mixing bowl for the meatballs
Wide skillet or Dutch oven for sauce and browning
Large pot for boiling pasta
Tongs for turning meatballs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Shape them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them raw for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen – just add 10 extra minutes in the sauce.

What if my sauce is too thick?
Thin it with a bit of reserved pasta water or plain water until it’s just right.

Can I use store-bought sauce?
You can, but homemade is what makes this a true comfort recipe. If you’re short on time, jazz up jarred sauce with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of sugar.

Why are my meatballs tough?
Overmixing or packing them too tightly is usually the culprit. Mix gently and roll loosely for tender results.

Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Skip the red pepper flakes, and watch the little ones gobble up this classic family dinner.

Conclusion

Grandma’s spaghetti and meatballs isn’t just a recipe – it’s a love letter to family, tradition, and the simple joy of a homemade meal. Every bite of those tender homemade meatballs, every twirl of spaghetti coated in rich sauce, takes you back to a time when life felt slower and dinners were sacred. This Italian-American dish has stood the test of time for a reason: it’s hearty, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this comfort recipe delivers. So grab your apron, channel your inner great chef, and make this classic family dinner tonight. You won’t regret it.

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