I came home worn out and my husband had this waiting on the stove. Tender meatballs and buttery noodles in a savory sauce — comfort in every forkful.
Meatballs and Noodles
Few meals are as comforting as homemade meatballs served over a plate of tender pasta with rich tomato sauce. This classic recipe combines juicy, seasoned meatballs with a flavorful marinara and perfectly cooked noodles for a satisfying dinner that’s ideal for family meals or special occasions. Finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, it’s a timeless favorite everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (or ground turkey) | 1 pound |
| Breadcrumbs (plain, Italian-seasoned, or panko) | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Fresh parsley, finely chopped | ¼ cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Small onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce) can |
| Sugar or honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried basil (or 3 tablespoons fresh basil) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 tablespoon |
For Serving
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine | 8 ounces |
| Fresh basil or parsley, chopped | For garnish |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | For garnish |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
Tip: Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs firm instead of tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each one. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each meatball.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) if using turkey.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Transfer the baked meatballs to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat them and simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors come together.
Step 8: Serve
Divide the cooked pasta among serving plates. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over the noodles, then finish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
