Spaghetti with Tomato-Basil Meatballs
Tender meatballs simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce, paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a satisfying meal. This italian-american-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spaghetti
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Mix gently, then form into 12 equal meatballs.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain.
- Step 4: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes to the skillet, simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Add baked meatballs and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve over spaghetti.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti with Tomato-Basil Meatballs take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spaghetti with Tomato-Basil Meatballs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti with Tomato-Basil Meatballs?
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 Spaghetti with Tomato-Basil Meatballs 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 Spaghetti with Tomato-Basil Meatballs?
Italian-American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely perfect for family dinners. Even my picky eater asked for seconds on the meatballs.
- ★★★★★
Quick weeknight dinner that felt special. Meatballs held together perfectly and the sauce simmered beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Made this for date night and it was a hit. The basil added such a fresh note to the rich sauce.
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