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Easy One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and easy one-pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe that combines juicy meatballs and saucy pasta in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20) or lean ground turkey
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti pasta (regular or whole wheat)
  • 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) bread crumbs (panko or gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix the Meatballs (10 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form Meatballs (5 minutes): Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches diameter). Set aside on a plate.
  3. Brown the Meatballs (8-10 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides without overcrowding. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté Aromatics (3-4 minutes): In the same pot, sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add Sauce & Pasta (2 minutes): Pour in marinara sauce, stirring to loosen browned bits. Add uncooked spaghetti, breaking strands if needed to fit.
  6. Add Water & Meatballs (1 minute): Pour in 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water. Nestle browned meatballs into the sauce and pasta mixture.
  7. Simmer & Cook Pasta (15 minutes): Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add water if sauce gets too dry.
  8. Final Touches (2 minutes): Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix meat to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs properly without overcrowding to seal in juices. Add enough water to prevent pasta from sticking and adjust liquid as needed during cooking. Stir gently to keep meatballs intact. If sauce is too watery, cook uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, spaghetti, meatballs, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, Italian, comfort food

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/easy-one-pot-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/