Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Reviewed on Feb. 17, 2013 by cremation

The time to make was to long and the meatballs were tasteless.

Reviewed on Feb. 10, 2013 by country baker

What a great recipe. My family and I loved it. Could hardly wait for it to be done cooking. The only thing I did differently was to use my blender to smooth out the tomatoes because my hubby and daughter don't like tomato chunks. Will be making this again.

Reviewed on Jan. 28, 2013 by ferndale52

nice american standard. meatballs are tender, but i think they are made with a little too much bread - it does make it spread though, makes a lot of spaghetti. my family ate with relish.

Reviewed on Jan. 25, 2013 by bristol

The sauce was sour-tasting and bland. It improved by the addition of 1 qt. of Prego-but still so-so. The meatballs had too much bread in them-3 slices would have been enough. If this is authentic Italian, where are the spices? 1-1/2 tsp of oregano was just not enough. Sorry.

Reviewed on Jan. 24, 2013 by GJALEX

Spaghetti is my favorite food and I'm always trying new sauce recipes and I give this a "10". I couldn't stop tasting it so I hope I have enough for dinner. I do recommend you try this recipe. I like crushed instead of diced tomato and that was the only change. Thank you for sharing.

Reviewed on Jan. 23, 2013 by j29cjoy

Olice Garden eat your heart out. This is the best recipe I have ever made and I have been cooking for over 50 years.

Reviewed on Jan. 23, 2013 by Hootsmom

JnBham & kiltyone

This recipe is absolutely delicious. It has already become a favorite in our cajun household. I'm sure your recipes are as delicious. Please feel free to share them. That's the beauty of this site. Sharing our love for cooking.

Reviewed on Jan. 21, 2013 by Kecia37

I made this last night and followed the recipe exactly EXCEPT I can't bear to use dried spices when I have a gardenful of fresh so I used fresh oregano and parsley. When substituting fresh for dried, you are supposed to use around 3x more fresh (in general) so I did that. The meatballs were excellent - so good that hubby and I were eating them off of the pan when they came out of the oven / before they went in the sauce. The aroma when the sauce was almost done was heavenly! The only two reasons I didn't give it 5 stars (and these are both just personal preferences) are: #1) I didn't like all the tomato chunks in the sauce. Next time I will whirl the diced tomatoes a bit in a food processor to make it smoother and less chunky (or maybe use crushed tomatoes instead?). #2) It was ever so slightly on the bland side for me - I printed the recipe out (I WILL make it again) and wrote at the bottom to add a teaspoon of pepper flakes next time and maybe a bit more oregano and parsley. My husband and our guest both said it was "Grade A"! (my husband uses letter grades instead of stars :-). I think that translates to 5 star for him.

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by kasea9139

Fixed this for Sunday dinner. Thick, scrumptious. Prep time, sorts time took awhile.Sure next time will be quicker and there definitely will be a next time. I don't like cooking from a jar. The aroma while cooking made me want to sing something Italian!

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by AJGalo

I have not made this recipe as of yet. Planning on making it for next weekend. I have one quick question. How long do you soak the bread?

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by Kecia37

I am making this tonight and can hardly wait. I will submit a review tomorrow and plan to follow the recipe exactly (tempted to add pepper flakes but trying to resist!). I'm making a meal for 40 people at a mens' homeless shelter on February 9th and this will be what I take if I like it.

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by MAXKAISERHEIDI

can you say perfect- dont change a thing!

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by MAXKAISERHEIDI

OMG! Wow.. Thank you for sharing this recipe! The sauce is awesome and the meatballs as my husband said melt in your mouth. I like the idea of baking the meatballs instead of pan browning, loose some of the fat! Followed the directions as listed and would NOT change a thing! Thanks again - a new favorite!

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by davedemare

OUTSTANDING flavor yet very easy to make!

Coming from an Italian heritage, I'm often wary of "Italian recipes". This is defintely one you can trust.

Dave D.

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by nonahope

Love this recipe! Mine is exactly the same except I use 4 - 15 oz. cans of tomato sauce, rather than diced tomatoes. That's only because I don't like pieces of tomato in my sauce. And, yes...this is my aunt's mother-in-law's recipe who came "off the boat" and spoke only Italian until the day she died. So, I would say it's a pretty authenic Italian recipe although I'm sure there are others, as well.

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2013 by ABWaligora

I made this for dinner last night, and it was a huge hit! I followed the directions exactly, and the sauce was perfect. The meatballs were excellent, as well. We'll be having the leftovers on rolls for meatball subs today. Thanks so much for a simple recipe the whole family enjoyed!

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by JennTats

Yum! This taste so much better than the pre made sauces you can buy in the store! my whole family loved this recipe just the way it is & I will definitely keep making this again! Thank you for the great recipe!

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by kiltyone

JnBham :

You are quite correct. This recipe is not one that one would find in Italy either North or South.

I would never put bread in the meatballs we use oat meal(old fashioned) soaked in a small amount of full fat milk. Better for you than bread.

It ideed, needed more herbs(fresh) not dried(tacky.) It works well for those who are in need of Gluten Free meat balls and when using Quinoa spaghetti.

Delete the sugar and add a couple of shredded arrots. One ust also use original cheese and not the fake version sold in the U.S.

We also add chopped Kalamata or other salted olives.

This is a lovely recipe when done correctly. Browning the meat balls in a proper pan stovetop is the only way to develop the lovely crust on the outside of them as one would expect when expertly prepared.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by chefology

I have not tried this recipe yet. It is very much like my own. I will say that if the sugar bothers you, you can also use a pinch or two of baking soda to cut the acid in the tomatoes. I started doing it because I had acid reflux.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by dovecanyon

My grandmother was born and raised in Sicily, and her sauce is very basic, 3 cans tomato paste, 9 cans water, garlic and oregano. That's it. Pass the red pepper flakes at the table along with the parmesan. Her sauce is wonderful and what I grew up with. So... the first time she saw me put in a bay leaf and a bit of sugar, she nearly had a fit. After dinner, she asked me to write down what I did, so she could do it at home- she was impressed with the taste. I'll admit that I leave out the onion completely, and I gently brown the garlic in olive oil then discard before adding the tomato (I use crushed, not diced); also, I do not use a tablespoon of sugar, but just a pinch, only what I can grab between my thumb and finger, as I find that any more adds sweetness instead of just cutting the acid as desired. But basically this recipe is very similar to my sauce. It is very good. Do not be put off by the naysayers, try it then decide for yourself. Also, my meatballs are nearly identical, except I also add a little oregano in addition to the parsley. Excellent recipe Etta, thanks!

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by AuntieA1955

Food and cooking really is about a gift and talent. Its such an expression of love and giving of ourselves to others. Both my Grandmothers were Resturant owners, my Mom still is known for her wonderful pies, we used to walk plates of food to the elderly on Sunday's because my Mom never learned to drive. I grew up watching and learning by women who loved me. I went to culinary school and after 35 yrs, now retired, I just still love to cook for anyone who'll sit around our table. All my working years and for the most part cooks and chefs were pretty darn cool and good to each other. We're a family that we share a common bond, this wonderful thing, food. It's the love of the craft, and the possibilities are endless! Oh...I'm Irish, English and Bohemian Gypsy, but I like me some Italian food!

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Di820

This is the best spaghetti and meatball recipe ever! I lived in Italy and it is authentic.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by menkens

Italy like the USA cooks the same thing different ways and the "north" does not like the way the "south" does it -- grow up and move on! When I lived in Northern Italy 1957-1961 my pasta was served with garlic butter sauce, or just plain olive oil in one dish and the meat sauce in another. Red sauce was "American" -- when I had friends in Austoria, NY in the early 1970's and Italian & Catholic the Friday night dinner was pasta with garlic/butter sauce and sauted/fried fish! This recipe is something I am going to be making in the next week or so.

Hope you have a wonderful week-end -- linda

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by pretzeld

Sugar cuts acidity the same as carrots and it was an Italian that told me that. I prefer the DICED tomatoes because it gives more body to the sauce and cooks down when simmered, anyway. It tastes better WITH the bay leaf (which I have always used) and I am sure that egg numbers don't matter a hoot. Baked meatballs have less fat.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by gknee50

This recipe is wonderful and easy to make. I have made meatballs with water or milk, the tast is the same. My family loves this sauce.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Sue Zappa

An excellent sauce & meatball recipe! Thank you for sharing it! I, too, am married to an Italian & my dad served in various parts of Italy during WWII, so we ate lots of Italian foods when I was growing up. 

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Mayte Wynn

Etta, thank you for the delicious recipe. I baked the meatballs for the first time and was a wonderful experience, they are better then fried. My husband notice was not my own recipe and said yours is better, so... from now, just this one.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by bungaraya

This recipe was so yummy. I tried the other one that substitute sugar with carrots too and it was yummy.. actually I prefer not to add sugar to my sauce. So both recipes were yummy.. so let's not have any grudges or ill feelings. I absolutely LOVE this website. I am a subscriber of the magazine for about 15 years. I have tried many, many, many recipes from Taste of Home. I love them all and they have never failed me. I am so happy to see so many interested cooks. Not many people has the time to cook or are interested in learning because of various commitments in their lives. So let's have a good time learning and discovering. I appreciate all the reviews and I learnt from them. Nobody is wrong or right... we are cooks and we love to feed people we love.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Lady1bug

This is really delicious! The only thing I do different is add some chili flakes to give it a little heat that my honey loves. I've used both milk and water for the meatballs, but really don't detect a difference. I'm guessing that the Italians are like us in that they do have their traditional recipes, but home cooks put on their own personal touches to suit their family's tastes.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by proudgrandma

Thank you to all the folks who post their recipes for us to try. Keep up the good work.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by taffytoby

i think all of the recipes for sauces have too much sugar

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Maddy51

Italian food is very diverse. Just because you don't use sugar in your sauce doesn't mean it's not done. Bay leaf is also used in spaghetti sauces. I personally just use garlic, parsley, oregano and basil in my sauce. I also use fennel seed when I use pork in my sauce. Different areas of Italy use different ingredients so you can't say the sauce is not authentic. You just never ate sauce made that way before. The meatball recipe is like my mother's and that's a good thing. Her meatballs are the best.  Italy is made up of different yet equally as good recipes.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by quetip

I usually do not respond. JnBham is rude. I spent some time in Italy, and this recipe and the meatballs are excellent. I will definately make it again. Reminds me of the spaghetti I had in Milan.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Red Hat Milli

To doglover32...assuming it is the Red Pepper Flakes made by McCormick you are having trouble finding I offer this tidbit. Any red pepper flake brand will work, even a store generic brand which I have used with much success. Hope this helps.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by donnaadams

Wow great meatballs. The sauce is similar to one I use too. I add a teasp of whole fennel seed crushed a little to my spagetti and pizza sauses. It really good. thanks for sharing.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by swhittley

Wonderful recipe.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by warrenbaker

I can't thankyou enough for sharing your recipe. It is very tasty and the portions are good. I would make it again. In fact I have copied this receipes to my favorites.PS I am a well aged and seasoned cook. This why I keep subscribing to this magazine because it's nice to share. Rockland baker.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by TheCookieLady2

Very, Very Delicious!!!

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Diane Mike

You can buy crushed Red Chile Pepper flakes in most grocery stores that carry spices - mine are from Trader Joe's. I use very carefully because they can be very hot.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Carolinerbain

Just looked up the Red Pepper Flakes and they have crushed ones from Chile.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by carrieott

I can't wait to try this recipe with fresh pasta! If you've ever been to Italy you know that in every region...every town for that matter, they have a different version of what I have to assume is "authentic" Italian sauce. :) They're all wonderful! Just saying! I'll be back with a complete review after dinner! Thanks so much for sharing Etta!

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Carolinerbain

I am pretty sure you can find Red Pepper Flakes at The Savory Spice Shop, you can find this on line.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by doglover32

I used to have a recipe that called for red pepper flakes,but i can't find it any more it was mccormick,can anyone tell me where i can buyit?

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by Patty1952

This recipe is very similar to my late mother in laws recipe which was the best spaghetti sauce I have ever had! I am looking forward to making this! 

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by debbie63937

This recipe is similar to my mom's, which has always been a family favorite.

Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2013 by JnBham

You could use carrots for the sweetening agent and to cut the acidity of the tomatoes......which could be Crushed instead of  diced....you can skip the bay leaf and increase onion and garlic and oregano and add basil (garlic,oregano & basil I prefer fresh not dried).

Meatballs were ok..but soak bread in milk instead of water for a more authentic flavor....for one pound of meat use only one egg-i like to use 24 oz's of ground pork and 24 oz's of ground beef & 2 eggs........instead of baking the meatballs.....after they are rolled into balls, I cover in plain breadcrumbs and sautee until browned all over and then put directly into sauce and simmer for 1 hour.

Reviewed on Sep. 16, 2011 by ddmarco

I haven't yet made the sauce, but the meatballs are so good! My Italian husband and my children love them!