One-pan spaghetti and meatballs made with homemade beef meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and dried pasta cooked together in a single skillet. This easy weeknight dinner recipe is perfect for families, requiring minimal cleanup and simple ingredients. A hearty, flavorful pasta dish that combines meat, vegetables, and sauce for a complete meal ready in under 40 minutes.

This one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe brings together tender homemade meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta — all made in a single skillet for easy cleanup and full flavor.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

500 g (1.1 lbs) minced beef (ideally 12–20% fat)
½ large onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 egg
3 tbsp grated parmesan
3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

½ large onion, finely chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
400 g (14 oz) tin finely chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée (paste in US)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp light brown sugar
1 beef stock cube, crumbled
600 ml (2½ cups) just-boiled water
200 g (7 oz) dried spaghetti

To Serve:

Shaved or grated parmesan
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Make the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, onion, egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands, then shape into 16–20 meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs
Heat the oil and butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Start the Sauce
Push the meatballs to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly.
Add Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, thyme, brown sugar, crumbled stock cube, and boiled water. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta in the Pan
Create space in the pan and add the spaghetti (break in half if needed). Press the pasta down to ensure it’s fully submerged in the sauce.
Simmer Until Done
Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice. Use tongs to separate the pasta while stirring to prevent sticking. Add a splash of boiling water if the sauce reduces too quickly.
Serve
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Use tongs to divide the spaghetti among four bowls. Top with meatballs and sauce, then finish with parmesan and fresh parsley.

Tips

Use higher-fat beef (12–20%) for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
Stir the spaghetti gently a couple of times while cooking to keep it from clumping.
Add a bit more boiling water if the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is fully cooked.
A wide, deep skillet or sauté pan works best for this recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Swap beef for pork, turkey, or a mix of beef and pork.
Pasta: Try penne, linguine, or fusilli if you prefer a different pasta shape.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and breadcrumbs.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based meat and stock alternatives.
Sauce Add-ins: Add a splash of red wine, a pinch of chili flakes, or a few chopped fresh basil leaves for extra depth.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the whole dish can be made ahead and reheated. It also keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the meatballs and sauce, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when serving.

What if I don’t have a lid for my pan?
Use foil or a baking tray to loosely cover the pan while the pasta cooks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Add steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced plate.
Drizzle with olive oil or add a few chili flakes for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan convenience with minimal cleanup
Juicy homemade meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce
Pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing extra flavor
Easy to customize and perfect for weeknights
Great for families and freezer-friendly