Delicious Meatball Pasta: Easy Recipe for Family Dinner

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for the whole family, you’ll love this Delicious Meatball Pasta recipe.

Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce and served over al dente pasta—this dish is a classic that never disappoints.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this homemade meal will become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!

What’s in This Meatball Pasta Recipe?

This recipe brings together homemade meatballs, a delicious tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The secret to making it extra special? A mix of fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon milk (for tenderness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for garnish

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• Salt for boiling water

How to Make Meatball Pasta

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, and milk until well combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Pour in water or beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add the Meatballs to the Sauce

Gently add the browned meatballs to the sauce, covering them with the tomato mixture. Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of tomato sauce, then plate it and top with meatballs and extra sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Serving Size

This recipe makes 4-5 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Calories & Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Fat: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~60g

Tips and Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Make it cheesy by topping with mozzarella and baking for a few minutes.
• Double the batch and freeze extra meatballs for a quick future meal.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Meatball Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, rich, and so satisfying. The homemade meatballs are juicy and full of flavor, and the sauce is perfectly seasoned.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping leftovers for the week, this dish will always hit the spot. Give it a try and let me know what you think! 🍝😊