This classic Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs recipe brings the rich, savory flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With a blend of aromatic herbs and a hearty tomato base, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, simmered to perfection in the sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. For instance, crushed tomatoes are essential for the sauce's base, and dried basil and dried oregano add the authentic Italian flavor. Additionally, parmesan cheese is crucial for the meatballs' rich taste. Make sure to pick these up at the supermarket if you don't already have them in your pantry.

Ingredients For Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a rich flavor to the sauce.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the sauce.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes: The main component of the sauce, giving it a rich, tomatoey base.
Dried basil: Adds a sweet, herbal note to the sauce.
Dried oregano: Contributes a slightly bitter, earthy flavor to the sauce.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the sauce and meatballs.
Ground beef: The main ingredient for the meatballs, providing a hearty, meaty texture.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds a slight crunch.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the meatballs.
Egg: Acts as a binder for the meatballs, helping them hold their shape.
Milk: Adds moisture to the meatballs, keeping them tender.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When forming meatballs, try to keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to measure out the ground beef mixture. This not only helps with consistency but also makes the process quicker and less messy. Additionally, avoid over-mixing the meatball mixture as it can make the meatballs dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce has a similar consistency and flavor profile.
dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil for each teaspoon of dried basil.
dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano for each teaspoon of dried oregano.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative with a similar texture.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding effect and texture.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly saltier flavor.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture and a cleaner taste.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a slightly different flavor. Use sparingly.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the sauce and meatballs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to unwanted moisture and spoilage.
- Transfer the cooled sauce and meatballs into airtight containers. For best results, use containers that are specifically designed for freezing, as they help maintain the quality of the food.
- If you prefer, you can store the sauce and meatballs together or separately. Storing them separately allows for more versatility when reheating.
- Label each container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the sauce and meatballs have been stored and ensures you use them within a safe timeframe.
- For short-term storage, place the containers in the refrigerator. The sauce and meatballs will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- For long-term storage, place the containers in the freezer. The sauce and meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
- When ready to use, thaw the sauce and meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
- Reheat the sauce and meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
- For a quicker option, you can reheat the sauce and meatballs in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until fully warmed.
- Serve the reheated sauce and meatballs over freshly cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Enjoy the flavors of your homemade Italian delight once again!
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place the Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs in a saucepan.
- Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Ensure the meatballs are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the sauce and meatballs to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe container.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the sauce and meatballs are hot.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Transfer the sauce and meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Set to low heat and cover with the lid.
- Heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
Sous Vide Method:
- Place the sauce and meatballs in a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Submerge the bag in a water bath set to 165°F (74°C).
- Heat for about 1 hour, ensuring the meatballs reach the desired temperature.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Warm the sauce separately on the stovetop or microwave and combine before serving.
Best Tools for Making This Recipe
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Large pot: Essential for cooking the sauce and allowing it to simmer properly.
Medium heat: The heat setting used to sauté the onions and garlic without burning them.
Chopping board: A surface for safely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Knife: Used to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of crushed tomatoes.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, milk, salt, and pepper for the meatballs.
Frying pan: Used to brown the meatballs before adding them to the sauce.
Spatula: Useful for turning the meatballs to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
Measuring spoons: Needed to measure out the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and milk.
Stirring spoon: Used to mix the sauce and stir the meatballs into the sauce.
Spaghetti: The pasta that will be served with the sauce and meatballs.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked spaghetti before serving.
Serving dish: A dish to present the spaghetti, sauce, and meatballs together.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Save time by using store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making your own.
Double the batch: Make extra meatballs and sauce to freeze for a quick meal later.
Simmer while multitasking: Let the sauce simmer while you prepare other parts of the meal or clean up.
Cook pasta simultaneously: Boil the spaghetti while the meatballs are browning to save time.

Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can Crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoon Milk
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Add the meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Serve the sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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