Nana's Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

There are not many dishes that are as comforting as pasta. More specifically, spaghetti and meatballs. It’s one of those meals that can remind you of your family and childhood. A bowl of spaghetti and meatballs is like comfort food 101. It’s such a classic. It doesn’t need to be fancy – it’s perfect just the way it is. Everyone loves it!

My favorite recipe for spaghetti and meatballs comes from my Nana. (My dad’s grandma). She never cooked with a recipe, but luckily, years ago, someone was smart enough to watch her and write it down! I’ve been eating these meatballs with this sauce my entire life. The tomato sauce is so delicious and so simple to make that there is no need to ever buy jarred sauce – I promise.

Full disclaimer: My dad’s grandma was from Sicily. I do not know, and I am in no way saying that this is an authentic Italian way to make red sauce and meatballs. All I’m saying is this is how she did it, so this is how we do it. It’s delicious and perfect, and you will not be disappointed.

The Easy Way to Red Sauce

This isn’t the type of red sauce that needs to cook all day long. You don’t need to babysit it. The meatballs don’t need to be formed, then baked first. They cook right in the sauce. Everything in one pot! It’s like all of the extra steps have been removed and all you’re left with are the few remaining essential steps to create a damn good bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.

Quick Tip: If you are craving this dish on a work night, you can also make the sauce and meatballs in a slow cooker. Pour all of the sauce ingredients in, form the meatballs, and drop them into the sauce. Gently stir. Set on low for 8-10 hours. It’ll be ready to go when you get home! Plus your house will smell amazing.

This red sauce and meatballs are not the least bit intimidating. The recipe is super easy to make, and is done in under an hour. It’s the perfect Sunday dinner recipe! Try out this recipe the next time you get a craving for spaghetti and meatballs, and let me know what you think!

Tomato Sauce Ingredients:

2 29oz cans of tomato sauce
3 Tbs olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbs dried parsley
1 Tbs dried basil
Salt & Pepper

Meatball Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2 eggs
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over low heat.
Dice onion and add to pot. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook for 5-6 minutes until translucent.
While onions are cooking, mix meatball ingredients together in a large bowl.
Add garlic to the pot, stir to combine, cook for 1 minute. *Do not burn!
Add in the tomato sauce, parsley, and basil. Stir to incorporate.
Form the meat mixture into golf ball size balls, and gently drop them one by one into the sauce. Gently push them down into the sauce so that they are covered.
Cover, and cook for 40-45 minutes over low heat, stirring once if desired.
Serve over your favorite pasta.