Easy Weeknight Spaghetti & Meatballs

When it comes to easy mid week dinners you can't beat Weeknight Spaghetti & Meatballs for flavor and speed. This recipe is a great way to gussy up store bought meatballs with a healthy homemade tomato sauce and really make them your own!

I'm a huge fan of Jamie Oliver's Meatballs and Pasta and also Gordon Ramsay's Italian meatballs. I have used these recipes in the past. But for busy nights through the week, I just don't have time to make my own meatballs.

For convenience I like to use good quality store bought meatballs. They work a treat with the rich tomato flavored spaghetti sauce. Any ready made meatballs will work, but you can make your own if you have the time and inclination.

Now I know I haven't technically served my meatballs with spaghetti, instead I've used tagliatelle. But that's the point. You can use any shape of pasta noodle and they will all work a treat with the meatballs. As with all great recipes you can adapt it and make it your own.

Why You Should Make This Weeknight Spaghetti & Meatballs

• My store-bought meatballs dinner is all about convenience for those busy weeknight. The ones where we want something nutritious but don't want to spend too much time cooking.

• This dish is loved by adults and kids alike - I get clean plates all round in my house.

• The spaghetti sauce is really simple and quick to prepare, using a lot of the ingredients that most of us will have in our kitchens already.

• When it comes to great tasting dishes featuring meatballs or pasta you can't beat my Creamy Mustard Dill Sauce for Meatballs, my Creamy Pancetta, Pea & Mint Pasta, my Smoked Salmon Creme Fraiche Pasta or my Creamy Mushroom Pasta.

Are Spaghetti & Meatballs Authentically Italian?

No, in fact spaghetti and meatballs is an American dish, created by Italian-American immigrants.

Traditional Italian meatballs are called polpette and are a lot small than the large American meatballs we serve with spaghetti. Also Italians would traditionally serve their meatballs on their own or in a soup.

American meatballs as we know them are are a result of Italian-Americans who migrated to the US. With increased wealth they were able to buy more meat. As result the meatballs became larger and full of meat, rather than breadcrumbs.

Spaghetti was added to the meatballs as it was the only dried pasta available in the US at the time.

Can I Makes Weeknight Meatballs with Pasta that isn't Spaghetti?

Yes of course you can! In fact you can use any variety of pasta or pasta noodles that you and your family enjoy eating.

I like to use tagliatelle noodles as they catch the sauce better. And I also think younger children find this noodle easier to eat.

Tasty Meatballs Ingredients

Find the full list and quantities in the recipe below.

Meatballs - I use store bought meatballs for speed and ease, any variety will work in this dish. If you have your own favorite meatball recipe then by all means use that. Simply add the meatballs to the spaghetti sauce.

Pasta - I like to use tagliatelle noodles as they are great for soaking up the sauce and are also easier for kids to handle. You can use spaghetti, linguine or indeed any pasta noodle that you and your family enjoy eating.

Tomatoes - I use canned chopped tomatoes, but you can also use canned plum tomatoes. Break them up in the pan or a similar quantity of fresh plum tomatoes if you prefer.

If using fresh tomatoes just add a little extra water or veggie broth to the spaghetti sauce.

Sugar - is added to the spaghetti sauce as it balances out the acidity from the tomatoes giving you a better balanced sauce. If you prefer you can leave it out.

How to Make Weeknight Spaghetti & Meatballs

Find the full printable recipe below.

Gently cook onions until soft, season well then add crushed garlic.

After a minute, add the canned tomatoes, water and pinch of sugar.

Cook for around 5 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.

Add the beef meatballs to the sauce and simmer until fully cooked - around 30 minutes.

Meanwhile cook the pasta in boiling salted water then drain.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed then serve the cooked pasta with the meatballs and sauce.

Top with grated parmesan and fresh basil leaves for maximum flavor.

Can I use Store-Bought Sauce to Make Spaghetti & Meatballs?

Yes of course. We all have those days where time has run away with us. So if you prefer you can add store-bought spaghetti sauce and cook the meatballs in it.

Could I use ready cooked meatballs?

Ready cooked meatballs are an even quicker way to get this weeknight spaghetti and meatballs dinner on the table. As the meatballs are already cooked you don't need to cook them in the sauce, only warm them up just before serving.

Variations of Spaghetti & Meatballs

This recipe is easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan diners. The spaghetti sauce can easily vegan if you swap butter for olive oil. Simply replace the store-bought meatballs with a veggie based meatball instead and don't grate over any Parmesan cheese.

I use meatballs made with ground beef, but you could use ground pork or even a blend of the two. For a flavor change why not try a chicken or turkey meatball? All these flavors will work with the tomato spaghetti sauce.

I recommend sprinkling over some chopped basil for a burst of fresh herb flavor that really lifts this simple meatball dish.

Tips For Making Weeknight Spaghetti & Meatballs

• When you are really pushed for time, ready cooked meatballs are a great substitute as they only need to be heated up in the meatball sauce.

• If making your own meatballs, take the time to brown them first in a separate pan before adding them to the meatball sauce. This will really add to the flavor of the finished dish.

• Also if making homemade meatballs ensure they are even in size, otherwise some may take longer to cook through.

How To Serve Weeknight Spaghetti & Meatballs?

This is honestly enough of a meal to serve on it's own, so I keep any sides light and simple. But if you want to make it part of a larger meal, a dressed green salad always goes well with pasta. You could also add some crusty bread or garlic bread.

How To Reheat Spaghetti & Meatballs?

Once cooked and cooled, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to eat, simply heat the meatballs up gently in the sauce over a medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce is a little thick you can add a splash of stock or water to loosen it.

How to Freeze Meatballs & Spaghetti Sauce?

Make the sauce and meatballs then allow the dish to cool completely before placing in an airtight container suitable for the freezer. You can store the sauce and meatballs for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, defrost the sauce and meatballs before heating up and adding to the freshly cooked pasta noodles of your choice.

NOTE, if you are using ready made meatballs that have already been frozen they cannot be refrozen!

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This recipe was shared with the #cookblogshare community, which this week was kindly hosted by Kate the Gluten Free Alchemist.