Meatballs with Noodles

Few dishes bring the same level of comfort as tender homemade meatballs paired with warm pasta and a flavorful tomato sauce. This classic meal features perfectly seasoned meatballs simmered with rich marinara and served over your favorite noodles for a hearty dinner the whole family will love. A finishing touch of fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese makes this timeless recipe even more delicious.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatballs

Ingredient	Amount
Ground beef or ground turkey	1 pound
Plain, Italian-style, or panko breadcrumbs	½ cup
Grated Parmesan cheese	¼ cup
Fresh parsley, finely chopped	¼ cup
Large egg	1
Minced garlic cloves	2
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon

For the Sauce

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	1 tablespoon
Small onion, chopped	1
Minced garlic cloves	2
Crushed tomatoes	1 (28-ounce) can
Sugar or honey	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Dried basil or fresh basil	1 tablespoon dried or 3 tablespoons fresh
Dried oregano	1 tablespoon

For Serving

Ingredient	Amount
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine	8 ounces
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped	For garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese	For garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined.

Tip: Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense instead of soft and juicy.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, using about 2 tablespoons of mixture for each one. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and fully cooked.

The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) when using turkey.

Step 5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes.

Drain well and toss with a small amount of olive oil if desired.

Step 7: Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

Place the baked meatballs into the skillet with the marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat them and allow them to simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.

Step 8: Serve

Arrange the cooked noodles on serving plates and spoon the meatballs with sauce over the top.

Finish with fresh basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy.