Dinner’s ready in only 30 with this quick and classic spaghetti and meatballs, but the sauce is so flavorful you’ll think it’s been simmering for hours!
Ahhh S&M….My favorite way to spend a Monday for sure.
Oh, who am I kidding? Bring on the noodles ANY day at ANY time. (I’m lookin’ at you, breakfast)
So this spaghetti. As you could probably guess, it’s kinda a dinnertime staple around here. I’m requested to make it usually at LEAST twice a week.
99.9% of the time I’ll say, “I’m down with that. Let’s get that water ‘a boiling!
The other 0.1% of the time? Just not in the mood. Thank goodness THAT doesn’t happen too often…*shudder*
Do y’all love 30-minute meals as much as I do? Let’s be pals, cause we’ve got something BIG in common.
I mean, I’m all for making food taste at it’s absolute best, no matter what the time-frame it takes. But those meals that taste amazing AND whip up in a mere 30? They get me every time.
I’m not a lazy cook, I promise. 😀
There isn’t anything super-weird or foreign about this spaghetti. No gourmet ingredients, no fancy techniques. Just down-home class S&M that we all grew up with and love.
That also happens to be the best spaghetti and meatballs that will ever get in ‘yo belly.
Obv, I’ve had my fair share of S&M just like everyone else, and I can say that without a doubt, NOTHING beats this recipe. Your granny’s cooking, mom’s, the MIL’s, NOTHING compares.
I’ve been playing around with this recipe for about 6 months now, tweaking things until it turned out just right.
It was worth the time, trust me.
“Right” doesn’t even come close to describing the perfection level of this awesome stuff…
There’s a serious danger that I might fall into a spaghetti-and-meatball coma is the simple way to put it.
OMG. How awesome would that be?!
I opted to used ground turkey in these meatballs, rather than the usual ground beef. I love the super-moist and tender texture ground turkey gives meatballs, PLUS it keeps things on the lighter side.
Because we all know that S&M is total health food. 😀
The meatballs are perfectly seasoned, unbelievably moist and tender, and floating around in a thick and creamy tomato sauce that’s kicked up with fresh basil and fragrant garlic. All this crowning a bed of warm noodles.
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and you’re set for the night. Possibly for life.
That’s a lot to say for such a simple spaghetti and meatball’s recipe. Sometimes the simple stuff turns out to be the tastiest.
Take 30 minutes, tonight and whip up this spaghetti. Your Monday and your belly will thank you later.
And your tastebuds? Prepare for them to fall off from spaghetti-and-meatball paradise.
Yep. This is paradise with a capital P.
And COMFORT food with all caps for sure.
30-Minute Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients
- MEATBALLS:
- 3 lbs ground turkey
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 garlic clove minced
- SAUCE:
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cans 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta cooked according to package instructions
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients until evenly incorporated. Roll meat mixture into 1-in balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs at 375F 20-25 minutes or until meat registers done. Remove from oven and set aside.
- While meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender and fragrant. Pour sauce into pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in cream, salt and pepper to taste, basil, and cooked meatballs.
- Serve sauce over cooked pasta and sprinkle with grated cheese if desired.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I’m all about 30 minute meals, especially during the week! This dish looks fantastic, Sarah! I love that you used ground turkey for the meatballs. I’ve never tried that before, and it sounds delicious!
Sarah says
Turkey meatballs are the best! You must try them, Gayle! 😉
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
We love spaghetti and meatballs in my family. And only 30 minutes?? I am Totally making this this week!! 🙂
Sarah says
Yay for 30 minute meals, right?! LMK how this S&M turns out, Renee! 😉
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Gorgeous photos Sarah! I want to dive right in. 🙂
Have a beautiful day!
Sarah says
Thanks Melanie! Hope you had a good weekend. 🙂
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
Now I’m hungry! I am a pasta addict and when you add huge turkey meatballs… well, I just can’t resist it. Get in my belly!
Sarah says
Haha! Glad I’m not the only pasta-aholic around here. 😉
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
This looks amazing, Sarah!!! I am all about 30 minute meals and was just thinking about what to make for dinner tonight and you know what?? THIS is IT! Spaghetti and meatballs is a favorite around here and I loved that you used turkey too. I can’t wait to slurp these noodles up – pinning!
Sarah says
Yay! I hope you’ll let me know how this spaghetti turns out, Kelly! Thanks for the pin love, girl. 😀
Catalina @ Shades of Pink says
Perfect italian comfort food. I love meatballs and pasta so much, I can survive on it only.
Sarah says
Oh, I’m totally there with ya, Catalina! I think I could live on the stuff too. 😉
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
I love the simplicity of this tomato sauce (and how quickly it comes together!) – it looks like a deliciously yummy dinner Sarah! 😀
Sarah says
Thanks Ceara! And yes, it’s so easy you won’t believe it!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
These look awesome! Spaghetti and meatballs is the perfect dish for this cold, grey day we’re having — I wish I had some beef thawed! I’m definitely going to have to pin this for later 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks for pinning, Ashley! 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
I love Spaghetti & Meatballs, and it’s a staple around here – yes, even for breakfast, so I’m totally with ya, my sistah!
Sarah says
Haha! My family thinks it’s weird and I’m just like “Whaaaa? Try it and see for yourself!” 😉
Jules @ WolfItDown says
Mmmm, a lovely tomato sauce and some hearty meatballs can make you so happy, this looks fantastic 😀 The photos of the dish just reminded me of Lady & the Tramp ^ ^
Sarah says
Haha! How cool is that?! I didn’t notice that before, but now that you say that I guess this pasta does resemble Lady and the Tramp! 😉
Danielle says
Spaghetti was a staple for dinner in our house growing up. It’s total comfort food, I love how quick this dish comes together too. Pinning!
Sarah says
Totally a dinner staple here too Danielle! Thanks for pinning, friend! 🙂
Isadora says
We eat spaghetti a few times a week here too! It is so easy and such a great go-to recipe! Meatballs are the perfect way to spice things up and add some protein! These meatballs look amazing and I can see why your family requests them all the time!
Sarah says
YAY for spaghetti and meatballs right?! 😉 Thanks Izzy!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
I know a special 6 year old that will LOVE this dish. 30 minutes you say? Love it.
Sarah says
Yay! Let me know how your daughter likes this spaghetti, Kathy! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Spaghetti and meatballs is the first recipe I ever made when I was a teenager! But it was no way as good as this looks. The meatballs were all different sizes, whoops! Such pretty pictures Sarah!
Sarah says
It was one of the first recipes I made too! I think I was 10 and yes, my meatballs were pretty ugly as well. 😉 Thanks for the photography compliments, Nat!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Spaghetti and Meatballs are my favorite! Love that this can be made in 30 minutes!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
I love making homemade meatballs… they really are so easy, and MUCH better than premade! Your sauce sounds awesome, too!
Sarah says
Totally agree, Jess! Pre-made meatballs don’t even compare with homemade. 😉