Homemade Italian Meatball and Tomato Sauce Pasta
Tender homemade beef and pork meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over al dente spaghetti for a classic Italian dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes blends ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 oz ground beef
- 6 oz ground pork
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, diced onion
- 1 can (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 quarts for boiling pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, soak 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs in 1/4 cup milk for 5 minutes until absorbed.
- Step 2: Add 6 oz ground beef, 6 oz ground pork, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently until combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, yielding around 16 meatballs.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes; remove and set aside.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 6: Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Step 7: Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently for 20 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Meanwhile, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta.
- Step 9: Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti with extra Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Homemade Italian Meatball and Tomato Sauce Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Homemade Italian Meatball and Tomato Sauce Pasta?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Homemade Italian Meatball and Tomato Sauce Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Homemade Italian Meatball and Tomato Sauce Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Homemade Italian Meatball and Tomato Sauce Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
