Who doesn’t love a comforting plate of spaghetti and meatballs? This simple, oven-baked Italian meatball recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for busy evenings. Juicy beef meatballs, fresh basil, and a rich homemade tomato sauce come together in just 30 minutes. Pair it with spaghetti, and dinner is served!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated yellow onion
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Tomato Sauce & Pasta:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups tomato passata purée
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 12 oz spaghetti
Directions
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl, mixing gently to avoid overworking. Shape the mixture into 8 meatballs.
Bake: Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and salt, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the passata and bring to a simmer.
Simmer with Meatballs: Add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Cover and let them simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, until fully cooked.
Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs simmer, cook spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of the tomato sauce.
Serve: Plate the pasta, top with meatballs and sauce, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Quick Tips
- Use fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 357
- Total Fat: 9.9g
- Protein: 20.7g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
This recipe is simple, hearty, and sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknights when you crave a little Italian comfort on your plate! 🍝
