Grandpa's Spaghetti and Meatballs
Grandpa's Spaghetti & Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food! These savory Italian meatballs combine ground beef and Italian sausage, baked and then simmered in a rustic tomato sauce. Perfect to top spaghetti, but also great in meatball subs! Homemade with love, Grandpa's meatballs for a crowd are loved by all!
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 to 10
Calories: 703kcal
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 grinds fresh black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
For the Sauce
- 2 28oz cans crushed tomatoes or whole peeled (chopped with juice) San Marzano are best!
- 1 28oz can water
- 1 12oz can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 grinds fresh black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
For Serving
- 1 pound spaghetti or more, depending on number of people
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Preheat oven to 400° convection bake.
Mix all ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, use your hands! Roll into balls and place on a sheet pan. Makes 16 to 20 golf ball sized meatballs, a portion scoop works great to get a consistent size.
Bake at 400° convection bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You can cut one open to see if it's done.
Meanwhile, while the meatballs are baking, combine all ingredients for the sauce in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then turn down heat to low, cover, and simmer 1 hour. Add the cooked meatballs when they are done, along with the drippings from the sheet pan to simmer along with the sauce.
Serve over spaghetti with Parmesan cheese.
- Meatballs can also be frozen raw, cooked, or together in the sauce.
- Meatballs are also perfect for meatball subs on hoagie buns baked with provolone cheese!
Calories: 703kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 1192mg | Potassium: 552mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 371IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 4mg