Most of us don’t go around whipping up 12-course meals every night, right? If you do, I have questions. Mostly, how do you have the energy? But for the rest of us who are just trying to get something on the table before the kids declare a hunger strike, sometimes life demands the classics. And what’s more classic than spaghetti and meatballs? It’s comforting, it’s satisfying, and it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re eating it in sweatpants while watching reality TV (no judgment, I’m right there with you).

This recipe is for those of us who want to win “Mom of the Century” (which, let’s be honest, should totally be a real award). It takes a little effort, but I promise you—once you taste homemade meatballs in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce, you’ll never go back to those frozen mystery meatballs again. And your family? They’ll sing your praises like you’re a culinary rock star, which, honestly, we all deserve.

Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs: A Love Story

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix half beef, half pork for extra flavor)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried, because let’s be real, sometimes the fresh stuff dies in the fridge before we use it)

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the sauce:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon sugar (trust me, it balances the acidity)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried, again, no judgment)

For the spaghetti:

• 1 lb spaghetti (or whatever pasta your heart desires)

• Salt (for the pasta water, because seasoning matters!)

Step-by-Step Magic

Step 1: Make the Meatballs Like a Pro

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, and milk. Mix it all together with your hands—yes, it’s messy, but channel your inner grandma, because this is how love is made (in meatball form).

2. Roll the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball. If they come out more like baseballs, well…congratulations, you’re making dinner and batting practice equipment.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. No need to cook them all the way through; we’ll finish them in the sauce. Remove them from the pan and set them aside. Try not to eat them all while doing so.

Step 2: The Sauce That’ll Change Your Life

1. In the same pan (because fewer dishes = happier life), add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Throw in the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds—just enough to make your kitchen smell like an Italian grandma’s dream.

2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, and stir in the salt, pepper, sugar, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing those flavors to get to know each other.

3. Add the basil and the meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked. Try not to stick your face directly in the pan, no matter how good it smells.

Step 3: The Pasta (Because We’re Not Just Eating Sauce & Meatballs)

1. Boil a big pot of water and generously salt it. Think “salty like the sea,” because this is where pasta gets its first (and best) chance at flavor.

2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain it like a boss. But don’t rinse it! We want that lovely starch to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Toss the spaghetti with that glorious sauce and meatballs. Serve it up with extra Parmesan on top because cheese makes everything better. If you have garlic bread, now’s the time to shine. And if you really want to impress, throw together a side salad (or just pretend you meant to but oops forgot—totally valid move).

Final Thoughts & Shameless Praise

Listen, making homemade spaghetti and meatballs might not be as easy as microwaving something from a box, but the payoff? So worth it. This is comfort food at its finest, the kind of meal that makes people close their eyes and say “Mmm” with every bite.

So go ahead, revel in your kitchen success. Bask in the compliments. Accept your imaginary “Mom of the Century” award with grace. And most importantly—enjoy every bite.

Because sometimes, life isn’t about 12-course meals. It’s about classic, homemade goodness that makes your family feel loved…and maybe even willing to do the dishes. (Hey, a mom can dream.)