Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs

3.3
(10)
10 Reviews
3 Photos

I have been making this spaghetti recipe, from a dear family friend, for over 25 years. It is by far the best homemade sauce and meatballs we have ever had. I've also just fried the beef and added it to the sauce, then used it to make lasagna.

Submitted by Lynn1964
Published on November 8, 2019
3
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
3 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
10
Yield:
10 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

Sauce:

  • 1 (29 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes

  • 19 fluid ounces tomato juice

  • 1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Meatballs:

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef

  • 16 soda crackers, crushed

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large clove garlic, crushed

  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

  • ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. Combine tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, onion, parsley, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, thyme, and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

  3. Meanwhile, combine beef, crackers, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and thyme in a bowl. Form into large meatballs and place into a broiler pan.

  4. Bake in the preheated oven until browned and no longer pink in the centers, about 30 minutes.

  5. Transfer meatballs to sauce and continue to simmer, 2 to 2 1/2 hours more.

  6. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.

  7. Serve sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti.

Cook's Note:

You can use 1 teaspoon garlic salt instead of fresh garlic, if preferred.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

384 Calories
11g Fat
48g Carbs
23g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 384
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 86mg 29%
Sodium 759mg 33%
Total Carbohydrate 48g 17%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 23g 47%
Vitamin C 23mg 26%
Calcium 90mg 7%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 771mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.