One-Pan Spaghetti Meatballs for Busy Families

Looking for a comforting, hearty dinner that doesn’t require a sink full of dirty dishes? Meet your new go-to weeknight superstar: one-pan spaghetti and meatballs. This recipe is quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for families or anyone craving a comforting, Italian-inspired meal. What’s more? It all cooks in just one pan, which means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying a perfectly cooked bowl of pasta.

By the end of this post, you’ll learn how to whip up a rich, savory spaghetti and meatballs dish in under an hour. We’ll also share tips for customizing it to suit your family’s tastes, whether you like it cheesy, spicy, or packed with hidden veggies.

Let’s get cooking and make dinnertime a little easier (and absolutely delicious)!

Why One-Pan Meals Are A Lifesaver

Before jumping into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the magic of one-pan meals.

For busy families, cutting down on cleanup helps save precious time in an already hectic day. One-pan meals like this one make cooking approachable without sacrificing flavor or quality. Plus, since everything cooks together, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, harmonious dish that’s way more than the sum of its parts.

If you’re not already a fan of one-pan recipes, this spaghetti and meatballs dish will make you a believer.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (500g) ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 egg (to bind the meatballs together)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for moisture)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)

For the Dish:

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti (broken in half for easy cooking in the pan)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (to serve, optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe for One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, here’s how to make your flavorful one-pan spaghetti and meatballs, step by step.

1. Prep Your Meatballs

Start by combining all the ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl — ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Parmesan, garlic, seasonings, and parsley. Using your hands or a gentle spoon, mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and set them aside on a plate.

2. Sear the Meatballs

Heat a large, deep skillet or pan (12 inches in diameter or more) over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Don’t worry about cooking them through just yet—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove meatballs from the pan and set them aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same pan (and all those delicious browned bits of flavor), add the diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes here if you like a little spice.

4. Combine the Sauce and Pasta

Add the marinara sauce and water (or chicken broth) to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the spaghetti, ensuring the noodles are submerged in the sauce and liquid. If it seems too dry, add a bit more water.

5. Simmer and Add the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the pan, nestling them gently into the sauce without overcrowding. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for about 12–15 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. The spaghetti absorbs the liquid while cooking, becoming flavorful and perfectly al dente.

6. Check and Serve

Once the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), remove the pan from the heat. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning—adding a bit more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.

Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Customizing Your One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Make it Healthier: Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti. Add diced vegetables like zucchini or spinach into the sauce for a nutritional boost.
• Cheesier Option: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a gooey, cheesy twist.
• Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat or veggie balls to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.

The Beauty of One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs

One-pan spaghetti and meatballs promise everything you need in a family dinner. It’s hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably easy, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something comforting without the chaos of cleanup.

Take it from us—this is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Need more meal ideas? Subscribe to our newsletter for more one-pan dinners and family-friendly recipes that save time without compromising taste.