Budget Spaghetti and Meatballs
Introduction
When you need a dinner that satisfies everyone at the table without breaking the bank, Budget Spaghetti and Meatballs is a proven winner. This classic Italian-American dish combines hearty pasta with juicy homemade meatballs in a savory tomato sauce, offering comfort and flavor on a dime.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers big taste using accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques—no expensive restaurant bill required.
Budget-Friendly Flavor in Every Bite
This recipe stands out because it balances robust, homemade flavor with affordable pantry-friendly components. The meatballs are tender and perfectly seasoned, simmering gently in a rich tomato sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. With minimal prep, the result is a dish that feels special and home-cooked, ideal for feeding a hungry group for less.
Quick & Easy Veggie Prep
A standout tip for boosting the sauce’s nutrition and flavor: add chopped onions, garlic, or even carrots. Using a reliable vegetable chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes dicing vegetables fast and uniform, minimizing prep time and mess. Incorporate these veggies in the sauce for extra texture as well as nutrients.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta and Time-Saving Meatballs
Preparing tender meatballs is easy, even if you’re on a budget. For the best browning and flavor, invest in a sturdy nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. This ensures your meatballs sear beautifully without sticking, creating more flavor in the finished dish.
If you want to cut down on hands-on time (and oil), consider cooking the meatballs in an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt. This gadget crisps the meatballs with minimal fuss and cleanup.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Spaghetti and meatballs are wonderful for leftovers. Store any extras in airtight containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep the sauce and meatballs fresh and ready for another meal. This makes your budget stretch even further, giving you delicious lunches throughout the week.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 hearty portions. On average, each serving of spaghetti and meatballs contains around 480-550 calories, depending on the type of meat and pasta used. It’s a wholesome meal rich in protein, iron, and complex carbohydrates, making it as nourishing as it is affordable.
Budget Spaghetti and Meatballs (Recap)
By combining pantry staples with cost-effective cooking tools, this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe delivers restaurant-worthy comfort on a family-friendly budget. Your wallet—and your taste buds—will thank you for this timeless, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Shape into 1-inch balls. For the most even portioning, use a small cookie scoop or moistened hands.
- Heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. (Alternatively, arrange on a tray and cook in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.) Set aside.
- To make the sauce, optionally use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for easy dicing. Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and gently simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes, ensuring they’re cooked through and tender.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meatball sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes