Homemade spaghetti and meatballs offer a rich, satisfying meal with tender meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe combines classic Italian seasonings with fresh and canned tomatoes for a well-balanced sauce. The meatballs are browned for extra depth of flavor before being gently simmered in the sauce. Served over pasta with Parmesan, garlic bread, and a Caesar salad, this dish is both hearty and comforting.

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
This homemade spaghetti and meatballs recipe has bold flavors with simple ingredients. The slow-simmered sauce and tender meatballs make it a comforting meal, worth the time involved when you make it from scratch. Whether you serve this for a big family dinner you meal prep for easy lunches for the week, this recipe is hearty, satisfying, and practical.
If you want to hit the easy button and use a jarred sauce, we recommend the Rao’s brand for the most homemade taste. I haven’t found a decent premade meatball, so I would strongly suggest making the meatballs at home. However, these meatballs are simple to prep and can easily be made in bulk to freeze for an easy dinner in the future.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Rich and Savory Flavor – A combination of fresh and dried herbs enhances the sauce and meatballs.
- Perfectly Tender Meatballs – Soaking the bread in milk creates a soft, juicy texture.
- Balanced Seasoning – Garlic salt, oregano, and basil bring depth to every bite.
- Versatile Pairing – Pairs well with pasta, salad, or crusty bread.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
Try our Tortellini Soup, too!

Spaghetti and Meatballs Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Ground Beef
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Milk
- Egg
- Garlic
- Garlic Salt
- Onion Salt
- Basil
- Oregano
- Ground Black Pepper
- San Marzano Tomatoes
- Tomato Sauce
- Cayenne Pepper
- Fresh Basil
- Fresh Oregano
This Spaghetti Pie is delicious!

How to make homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
Looking to see what you’re getting into here? Below is a general overview of the recipe steps. When you’re cooking, make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Cook the Onions – Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook the sliced onions until softened, then lower the heat.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture – Soak the bread in milk, squeeze out excess liquid, and tear it into small pieces. Mix with ground beef, egg, finely diced garlic, garlic salt, chopped onion, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper.
- Shape and Brown the Meatballs – Form 1-inch meatballs and cook them in the pan over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – Add chopped garlic to the pan, cook briefly, then stir in both canned sauces, diced tomatoes, cayenne pepper, fresh basil, and fresh oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Serve – Return the meatballs to the pan, reduce heat, and let them cook through while stirring. If the sauce thickens too much, add water. Serve over pasta with Parmesan, garlic bread, and a salad.
Our Meat Sauce Recipe is a great alternative to meatballs!

FAQ
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, making the dish even better the next day.
How do I reheat spaghetti and meatballs?
Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, both the meatballs and sauce can be made in advance. This recipe also freezes and reheats well for a quick homemade dinner option.
What substitutions can I use?
- Meat – Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork. Venison can also be mixed in.
- Bread – Use breadcrumbs or whole wheat bread instead of white bread.
- Spices – Adjust the seasonings to your preference, adding more garlic, black pepper, or herbs.
Try our Mushroom Meat Sauce Recipe sometime!

Serve This With…
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – A great side option for added texture and nutrition.
PIN FOR LATER!


Spaghetti and Meatballs
This hearty homemade spaghetti and meatballs is the perfect dinner to put on the table for your hungry family! Tender meatballs, homemade sauce, it hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 slices white bread
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 eggs, large
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dry basil
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 28-ounce cans San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 28-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 cups water
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil and sliced onions in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until onions soften, then reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic, saute for 1-2 minutes, and then add the rest of the sauce ingredients.
- Bring to a low simmer, and stir frequently.
- While the sauce is cooking, soak the bread in milk. Place into a bowl with the ground beef, eggs, finely diced garlic, garlic salt, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix with your hands to combine.
- Shape the beef mixture into 2-inch balls. Brown in a skillet. Remove and place into the sauce once they are browned.
- Cook the meatballs in sauce for about an hour, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust the salt as necessary.
- Serve with grated parmesan, pasta, garlic bread, and a Caesar salad.