Spaghetti and meatballs is such a comfort food classic.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Spaghetti and meatballs, what’s not to love?

I adapted the following recipe slightly from Rick’s original, and we love it!

Plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs Topped with Basil, and in the Surroundings, a Glass of Water, Toasted Bread, a Burgundy Table Napkin, and a Bowl of Parmesan

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Tips for Making the Best Meatballs

It’s all about the meatballs, right?

Here are some tips to ensure that yours are the best:

Why San Marzano Tomatoes?

Roma tomatoes) with fewer seeds and thicker flesh that are particularly well suited for tomato sauce.

Platter of Spaghetti and Meatballs With a Piece of Toasted Bread and Topped With Fresh Basil Leaves, and in the Surroundings, a Burgundy Table Napkin, a Bowl of Parmesan, Bite Size Bread Pieces Scattered on the Table, and a Plate With More Spaghetti and Meatballs

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Canned San Marzanos are pricier than other canned tomatoes but, in my opinion, well worth it.

If you might’t find them, just use canned plum or Roma tomatoes.

Just reheat in a saucepan or in the microwave when it’s time to make the spaghetti.

Plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs and a Slice of Toasted Bread. Some of the Spaghetti Is Wrapped Around a Fork Sitting on the Plate. In the Surroundings. More Toasted Bread.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Spaghetti and meatballs will keep for 3 to 4 days covered and in the fridge.

The meatballs will freeze better than the spaghetti, but you’re able to freeze both.

Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.

Onions, Mushrooms, Carrots, and Tomato Paste Cooked Together in a Pot for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds longer or until fragrant.

Add the carrots and mushrooms, and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the tomato paste, stir to blend, and cook for a minute longer.

Herbs Added to Pot While Canned Tomatoes Is Smashed Using a Potato Smasher for Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Add the canned tomatoes, parsley, and basil.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently while preparing meatballs, stirring occasionally.

Do not over-mix or the meatballs will be tough.

Spaghetti and Meatballs Sauce in a Pot, Mixed Using a Wooden Spoon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Use a small melon baller, cookie scoop, or heaping teaspoon to form 1-inch round meatballs.

Roll and compress into tight balls, but don’t overwork the mixture.

In a separate wide, shallow pan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat.

Bowl of Meatball Ingredients All Mixed Together for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Depending on pan size you may need to brown 2 batches of the meatballs.

Cook them in a single layer; do not crowd the pan by stacking them.

Meatballs Portioned Using a Cookie Scoop and Placed on a Parchment Wrapped Baking Tray for Spaghetti and Meatballs

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Do not overcook the meatballs; they will continue to cook in the sauce.

You just want to brown them on all sides.

Towards the end of browning the meatballs, add a little bit of red wine to deglaze the pan.

Meatballs on a Parchment Paper Lined Baking Sheet after Being Shaped into Balls for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Add the red wine to the sauce and stir in the cheese.

Add salt to taste.

Add the browned meatballs and gently stir.

Meatballs Browned in a Large Pan for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Simmer the sauce and meatballs for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

When the water returns to a boil add the pasta to the pot.

Leave the pot uncovered while you cook the pasta on high heat with a vigorous boil.

Red Wine and Parmesan Added to Pot of Sauce for Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Meatballs Added to Pot of Sauce

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Meatballs Stirred into Pot of Sauce With a Wooden Spoon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Cooked Spaghetti in a Colander for Spaghetti and Meatballs

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs Topped With Parmesan

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Table Setting (L to R): Toasted Bread on a Wooden Board, Burgundy Table Cloth, a Platter of Spaghetti and Meatballs With a Slice of Tasted Bread and Topped With Basil, a Glass of Water, Bite Size Bread Pieces on the Table, a Bread Piece Dipped into a Small Saucer With Olive Oil and Crushed Red Peppers, a Small Bowl With Parmesan, and a Plate With More Spaghetti and Meatballs

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe