Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs in Herbed Tomato Sauce

This comforting and hearty dish features juicy, herb-infused meatballs made from ground beef or pork, simmered in a savory tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and Provencal herbs. Tossed with spaghetti and finished with fresh herbs, it’s a beloved classic that’s simple to prepare and always satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family feast, this recipe offers the best of traditional comfort food with a homemade touch.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6
Cuisine: Italian-inspired European home cooking

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 400 g ground meat (pork, beef, or a mix)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/3 tsp black pepper

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 carrot, grated or finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 250 g canned tomatoes (chopped or crushed)

• 1 tsp sweet paprika

• 1 tsp Herbes de Provence

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp sugar

For the Pasta

• 300–400 g spaghetti

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for the boiling water)

• Fresh herbs (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat with salt, pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, ground coriander, dill, and parsley. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a fork until everything is well combined but not overmixed. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking, then form small, evenly-sized meatballs. The size can vary depending on your preference, but bite-sized meatballs work best for even cooking and easy serving. Set them aside on a tray or plate.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Fry the Meatballs
Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside. They will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 5: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Using the same pan, sauté the finely chopped onion for about 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the grated or chopped carrot and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the canned tomatoes, paprika, Herbes de Provence, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Simmer with Meatballs
Return the meatballs to the pan, gently nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. This slow simmer allows the meatballs to soak up the flavors and stay tender.

Step 7: Combine with Spaghetti
Once the sauce is rich and the meatballs are fully cooked, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Gently toss to coat the pasta in sauce and distribute the meatballs evenly. Heat for 2–3 minutes until everything is warmed through.

Step 8: Serve
Divide the spaghetti and meatballs onto plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill. Serve hot with optional grated Parmesan, a side salad, or garlic bread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Sodium: Moderate

• Cholesterol: 95 mg

Origins and Popularity

While often associated with Italian-American cuisine, spaghetti and meatballs are a global comfort food. This version draws from Central and Eastern European traditions, using a blend of herbs like dill and coriander and incorporating carrots into the sauce for natural sweetness and depth. It’s a family favorite that feels both rustic and timeless, beloved for its satisfying texture, warmth, and nostalgic charm.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Perfectly balanced: Protein, fiber, and carbs in one dish

• Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters

• Make-ahead friendly: The sauce tastes even better the next day

• Customizable with different meat or pasta types

• Crowd-pleasing for gatherings, meal prep, or casual dinners

Health Benefits

• Lean ground meat provides essential protein and iron

• Tomatoes offer lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants

• Garlic and herbs support immune health and digestion

• Carrots are rich in beta carotene, good for vision and skin

• Homemade sauce gives control over salt and sugar content

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crusty loaf of bread or garlic toast

• Pair with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette

• Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top

• Offer with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables

• Serve with a glass of red wine or lemon water

Cooking Tips

• Wet your hands when forming meatballs for smooth, non-sticky shaping

• Add extra breadcrumbs if the meat mixture is too wet

• Use half beef, half pork for richer flavor and tenderness

• Simmer meatballs gently to avoid them breaking apart

• Add a splash of pasta water when mixing spaghetti with sauce to help it coat

Variations

• Turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner alternative

• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or lentil balls

• Spicy version: Add red chili flakes or harissa to the sauce

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta

• Cheesy version: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella

Conclusion

Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs in Herbed Tomato Sauce is a warm, familiar dish made with love and simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a satisfying and deeply comforting meal that never fails to bring joy. Juicy, tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in harmony to create a dinner you’ll want to return to again and again.

FAQ

1. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag or container.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, just simmer longer to reduce the sauce and blend for a smooth texture.

3. How long can I store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

4. Can I use another pasta type?
Absolutely. Penne, linguine, or fusilli also work well.

5. What herbs can I use instead of dill or parsley?
Try basil, oregano, thyme, or cilantro for different flavor profiles.

6. Is it okay to bake the meatballs instead?
Yes. Bake at 200°C (392°F) for about 20 minutes, turning once.

7. What’s the purpose of the sugar in the sauce?
It balances the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if using canned ones.

8. Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the sauce.

9. What’s a good dairy-free option for garnish?
Nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan makes a great topping.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Perfect for meal prep or serving a large family—just use a bigger pot!