If you love classic Italian meals, this Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe is perfect.
Juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce and tender spaghetti make a comforting, family-friendly dinner. It tastes like a restaurant meal but is easy to make at home.
The meatballs are seasoned perfectly and baked before simmering in sauce, giving them a tender texture and deep flavor. You can serve this dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
I will show you how to make Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs step by step, and also share tips, serving suggestions and storage ideas for the best results.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe for a family dinner. The aroma of simmering sauce and baked meatballs filled the kitchen. Each meatball was tender, juicy and packed with flavor.
The spaghetti cooked perfectly and soaked up the sauce beautifully. My family loved it, and everyone asked for seconds. I also tried adding extra Parmesan on top, which made it even more delicious.
This recipe is now a staple in our dinner rotation, especially when we crave comfort food. It’s easy, satisfying and impressive.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Main Course / Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for cheese
- Pot for boiling spaghetti
- Oven mitts
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. - Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano and basil. - Shape the Meatballs
Roll mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake the Meatballs
Bake meatballs for 15–20 minutes until lightly browned. They will finish cooking in the sauce. - Heat the Marinara Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. - Add Meatballs to Sauce
Gently place baked meatballs in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavors. - Cook the Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and meatballs. Toss gently to coat evenly with sauce. - Check Seasoning
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir gently to mix flavors. - Serve and Garnish
Plate spaghetti and meatballs. Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top if desired. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Use a mix of beef and pork for tender, flavorful meatballs.
- Do not overmix meatball mixture; it keeps them soft.
- Baking meatballs first prevents them from falling apart in sauce.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for better flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer gently; avoid boiling to keep meatballs tender.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Serving Suggestions
This Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs is best served hot. Pair it with garlic bread or a Caesar salad. A glass of red wine makes a perfect Italian dinner.
Sprinkle extra Parmesan or parsley on top for garnish. This dish works well for family dinners, cozy nights or special occasions.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Caesar or garden salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Tomato basil soup
- Simple bruschetta
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze sauce with meatballs for up to 1 month. Freeze spaghetti separately.
- Reheating: Reheat sauce and meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water if needed. Warm spaghetti separately or mix gently with sauce.
FAQs about Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare meatballs and sauce a day before. Reheat before serving for best flavor.
2. Can I use only beef for the meatballs?
Yes, but mixing pork and beef gives juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, bake or cook meatballs first. Freeze in sauce for up to one month.
4. How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Do not overmix the meat mixture. Bake before adding to sauce to keep shape.
5. Can I add herbs or spices to change flavor?
Yes, fresh basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning works well. Adjust garlic and pepper to taste.
Conclusion
The Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe is classic, comforting, and easy to make at home. Tender meatballs, rich marinara and perfectly cooked spaghetti make it a favorite for any occasion.
Following this guide, you now know how to make Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs step by step. Serve it with garlic bread, salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights or special occasions. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-style Italian flavors in your own kitchen!
Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Shape the Meatballs
- Roll mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs
- Bake meatballs for 15–20 minutes until lightly browned. They will finish cooking in the sauce.
Heat the Marinara Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
Add Meatballs to Sauce
- Gently place baked meatballs in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavors.
Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and meatballs. Toss gently to coat evenly with sauce.
Check Seasoning
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir gently to mix flavors.
Serve and Garnish
- Plate spaghetti and meatballs. Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a mix of beef and pork for tender, flavorful meatballs.
- Do not overmix meatball mixture; it keeps them soft.
- Baking meatballs first prevents them from falling apart in sauce.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for better flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer gently; avoid boiling to keep meatballs tender.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
