Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combining tender, homemade meatballs with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, this recipe delivers a comforting classic Italian-style dish that’s perfect for dinner gatherings or a cozy night in. The meatballs bake flavor into the sauce, making every bite hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 egg, beaten

Sauce:

• ¾ cup chopped onion

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes (28 ounces each)

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon white sugar

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)

• ¾ teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, dried parsley, Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and beaten egg until well combined. Form the mixture into 12 meatballs. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until needed.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until the onion turns translucent.

3. Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes, salt, sugar, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and cook for 90 minutes to meld flavors.

4. Add the tomato paste, dried basil, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to the sauce. Gently slide in the meatballs, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors.

5. Serve hot over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: Approximately 4–6, depending on serving size and pasta accompaniment

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (including meatball formation and chopping)

• Cook Time: ~2 hours total (90-minute sauce simmer + 30 minutes with meatballs)

• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Substitute half the ground beef with pork or Italian sausage for added flavor.

• For a lighter version, bake meatballs in the oven instead of simmering—brown first, then nestle into the sauce.

• Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bolder flavor profile.

• Stir in fresh basil or a splash of red wine at the end to elevate the sauce’s depth.

• Make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat substitutes and vegetable stock.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I Make Meatballs Ahead of Time?

Yes—shape the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for several hours or overnight. Add them to simmering sauce when ready to cook.

Does the Sauce Need Sugar?

The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can omit it if you prefer a less sweet taste.

Can I Use Crushed Tomatoes Instead of Whole Peeled?

Absolutely—crushed tomatoes are a convenient substitute and work well in this sauce.

How Do I Prevent Meatballs from Falling Apart?

Handle the meatball mixture gently and don’t overmix. Frying or browning them slightly before adding to the sauce can also help them hold together.

Is The Sauce Suitable for Freezing With Meatballs?

Yes—freeze the sauce with meatballs included. It’s even more flavorful when reheated!

What Cheese Can I Use If I Don’t Have Parmesan?

Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are good alternatives. For dairy-free, omit cheese entirely.

Can I Use Italian Seasonings Instead of Individual Herbs?

Yes—as much as 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning can replace the basil and parsley if desired.

Can I Omit Garlic?

You can, but the garlic adds depth and aroma; use garlic powder as a milder substitute if needed.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Not as written—use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the meatballs suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What Goes Well With This Dish?

Serve with spaghetti, polenta, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs recipe is a classic comfort-food favorite made simple. With robust tomato flavor, tender meatballs, and a rich, savory sauce that simmers for hours, it’s the perfect dish for Sunday dinners or cozy evenings. Easy to make and even easier to love.