Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs Recipe

This incredible, from-scratch spaghetti sauce recipe features juicy, flavorful meatballs and a rich, simmered tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Use spicy or sweet Italian sausage for a personalized touch! The secret? Low and slow simmering develops a depth of flavor you won't find anywhere else. Get ready for the most delicious homemade spaghetti and meatballs you've ever tasted!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 260 mins
Calories 588.4 kcal
Protein 81g
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Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs 42

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs

  • Lean Ground Beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet), casings removed
  • Italian Style Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Onion Salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • Garlic Cloves
  • 15 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • Red Wine
  • 1/2 cup water (from rinsing cans)
  • Sweet Red Pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Sliced Mushrooms
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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How to Make Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, gently combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp onion powder. Mix with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
  5. Brown the meatballs in batches, without overcrowding the pot, until browned on all sides. Remove meatballs and set aside.
  6. Add 1 large onion, chopped, and 4 cloves garlic, minced, to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet), casings removed, to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
  8. Drain off any excess grease.
  9. Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 15 oz canned diced tomatoes, and 6 oz tomato paste.
  10. Add the browned meatballs to the sauce.
  11. Add 1/2 cup water (from rinsing the tomato cans), 1/2 cup dry red wine, 1 green bell pepper, diced, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp dried basil, 1 tbsp dried oregano, and 1 tbsp brown sugar.
  12. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more herbs, spices, or red pepper flakes to your preference. Simmer for 15 minutes after each addition.
  14. One hour before serving, stir in 8 oz sliced mushrooms and 1/2 - 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional).
  15. Serve over hot cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
  16. Leftovers can be frozen for later.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

61 g

Sugar

48g

Fat

61g

Carbs

9g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs?

Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs takes about 290 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 260 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs?

Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs has approximately 588.4 calories per serving, with about 81 g protein, 9 g carbohydrates and 51 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs?

The key ingredients for Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs are Lean Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Italian Sausage, Italian Style Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder. See the full list with measurements above.

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