Sunday Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Family Tradition

There's something about spaghetti and meatballs that takes me back to Sunday lunch with the family. Every Sunday, like clockwork, our family would gather at Granny and Papa's house for lunch. Granny's kitchen was a symphony of bubbling pots, music, and the hum of stories being passed down to future generations. She made everything from scratch- the sauce simmered for hours, meatballs hand-rolled and browned to perfection, and the pasta boiled just right.

She learned from her mother, whose family came over from Sicily, bringing with them recipes and traditions that have been passed throughout the generations. Granny's cooking was not that fancy, but it had flavor and soul- the kind of soul that comes from using your hands, your heart, and everything you have to feed the people you love.

We'd crowd around the table, cousins elbow to elbow, sauce stains inevitable. Laughter echoed, stories flowed, and time slowed down. These were not just meals; they were moments. Memories wrapped in the warmth of a home-cooked plate.

Now years later, I make Granny's spaghetti and meatballs for my family. It's never quite the same- maybe because nothing tastes as good as a childhood memory. With every stir of the sauce and every meatball formed, I feel her beside me and I remember what food is really about. It's not just spaghetti and meatballs- it's a story of where we come from and who we love. Every forkful is a piece of home.

🍝 Spaghetti and Meatballs

Servings: 4–6 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

🧆 For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp chopped onion

• 1 egg

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 piece of toast soaked in water (Granny’s secret step – trust us!)

🍅 For the Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can tomato sauce

• 1 can crushed tomatoes

• 1 Tbsp tomato paste

• Salt, pepper & oregano, to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley to finish (optional)

🍝 To Serve:

• ~1 cup pasta per person (spaghetti preferred!)

• Grated Parmesan & red pepper flakes for topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

   • In a bowl, combine meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and the soaked toast (squeeze out excess water first).

   • Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!

   • Roll into 1-inch balls.

2. Brown or Bake the Meatballs:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

   • Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t have to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.

     
     

   • Bake in a 400 F (200 C) oven for about 20 minutes

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Add oil to pot. Sauté onions until soft, about 5 mins.

   • Add garlic, stir for 30 seconds.

   • Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste.

   • Season with salt, pepper, oregano. Simmer for 10 mins.

4. Simmer Together:

   • Return meatballs to sauce and simmer gently for 25–30 mins until cooked through and flavors are combined.

5. Cook Pasta:

   • While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water if needed to thin sauce.

6. Serve:

   • Toss pasta with sauce or plate separately. Top with meatballs, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.

🌱 Meatless & Alternative Options:

Try it with:

• Hard-boiled eggs (a southern Italian twist)

• Sautéed mushrooms

• Italian sausage

• Ground turkey or chicken

⏱ Time-Saving Tips:

• Make meatballs ahead and freeze

• Meat Sauce instead of meatballs

• Use your favorite jarred marinara in a pinch

🍷 Serving Suggestions:

Pair with garlic bread, a crisp salad, and a glass of red or white wine.

💬 Join the Conversation!

Did your nonna call it gravy or sauce? How do you make your spaghetti and meatballs special? Share your family twists in the comments—we’d love to hear them!