Meatball Dinner

Transform your weeknight meals with this irresistible Meatball Dinner—a comforting classic that brings together juicy homemade meatballs and a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Crafted with a mix of ground beef and pork, these tender meatballs are elevated with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a touch of garlic for a burst of flavor in every bite. Simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Ready in just an hour, this hearty dinner is ideal for cozy family gatherings or an easy meal prep option. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for the ultimate Italian-inspired experience. Whether you're craving comfort or looking to impress, this spaghetti and meatballs recipe is the perfect answer!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef
• 250 grams Ground pork
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 800 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 400 grams Spaghetti
• 4 liters Water
• 1 tablespoon Salt for boiling pasta

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 2

Using your hands or a scoop, shape the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch diameter meatballs. Place them on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, dried Italian seasoning, and sugar. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

In a separate large pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the prepared meatballs in batches and sear on all sides until browned, about 6-8 minutes per batch. Remove the browned meatballs onto a clean plate.

Step 6

Gently transfer the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce. Cover and let them simmer in the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked through.

Step 7

While the meatballs are cooking, bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta but reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 8

If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 9

Serve the spaghetti on plates or in bowls, topped with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	6407.6 grams (6407.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3812

Total Fat 213.60g	274%
Saturated Fat 73.20g	366%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.90g
Cholesterol 816mg	272%
Sodium 13458mg	585%
Total Carbohydrate 272.70g	99%
Dietary Fiber 27.20g	97%
Total Sugars 53.80g
Protein 221.40g	443%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 1188mg	91%
Iron 31mg	172%
Potassium 4401mg	94%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.3%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 28.0%