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Spaghetti and Meatballs Family Dinner

Nothing says comfort food quite like a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs! This classic dinner is surprisingly budget-friendly when you make the meatballs yourself (trust me, it's easier than you think). The whole family will be asking for seconds, and you'll love how it stretches your grocery dollars.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 lb spaghetti pasta
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don't overmix or the meatballs will be tough.
  2. Roll the mixture into 16-18 meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. Keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. They don't need to be fully cooked through yet.
  4. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
  5. While the meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain well.
  6. Serve the spaghetti on plates or in bowls, top with meatballs and sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy with garlic bread if you have a little extra in the budget!