How to Make Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like a classic dish of homemade spaghetti and meatballs. This Italian-inspired comfort food is a beloved favorite for many, and for good reason. The combination of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and savory meatballs is a truly satisfying and delicious meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.

Making homemade spaghetti and meatballs may seem intimidating, but it's actually a relatively simple and rewarding process. With...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (29 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 19 fluid ounces tomato juice
  • 1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 16 soda crackers, crushed
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 10
  • Yield: 10 servings

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, onion, parsley, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, thyme, and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, combine beef, crackers, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and thyme in a bowl. Form into large meatballs and place into a broiler pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned and no longer pink in the centers, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer meatballs to sauce and continue to simmer, 2 to 2 1/2 hours more.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Serve sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti.
  • Nutrition

    384 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 86mg
    • Sodium: 759mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 48g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 23g
    • Vitamin C: 23mg
    • Calcium: 90mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 771mg