Spaghetti and Meatballs in a Dutch Oven: One-Pot Perfection

Discover how to make the ultimate spaghetti and meatballs in a Dutch oven. This classic Italian-American dish combines juicy, tender meatballs with a rich, flavorful marinara sauce—all cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven for maximum flavor and ease. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this recipe will transport you to an Italian trattoria right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Transform your home into an Italian trattoria with this foolproof recipe for spaghetti and meatballs in a Dutch oven. Ready in just 90 minutes, it serves 6–8 people, making it perfect for family meals or leftovers. The Dutch oven ensures even cooking, allowing the flavors of the homemade marinara sauce and meatballs to meld beautifully for an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs in a Dutch Oven

For the Meatballs:

• • 2 pounds ground beef

• • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

• • 1/2 cup milk

• • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 1 medium onion, finely grated

• • 1 large egg

• • 2 teaspoons salt

• • 1 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• For the Marinara Sauce:

• • 2 (28-ounce) cans San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes

• • 1/4 cup olive oil

• • 1 large onion, finely chopped

• • 6 garlic cloves, minced

• • 2 tablespoons dried oregano

• • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• • 2 teaspoons salt

• • 1 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1 teaspoon sugar

• • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• For the Pasta:

• • 1 pound spaghetti

• • Salt for pasta water

• • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

• • Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spaghetti and Meatballs in a Dutch Oven

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, grated onion, egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.

2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

3. Form into 24 meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each).

4. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet while preparing the sauce.

Making the Marinara Sauce

1. Hand-crush the canned tomatoes into a bowl, removing any tough cores.

2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

3. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes.

6. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cooking the Meatballs in a Dutch Oven

1. Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Brown the meatballs in batches, about 2 minutes per side.

3. Add the browned meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce.

4. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.

Preparing the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.

3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs in the Dutch oven.

5. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.

6. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Best Spaghetti and Meatballs in a Dutch Oven

• • Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender.

• • Add a Parmesan rind to the sauce while simmering for an extra depth of flavor.

• • Allow the dish to rest before serving to let the flavors meld.

• • Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

• • Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.

• • Replace breadcrumbs with fresh bread soaked in milk.

• • Experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.

• • Add mushrooms or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.

Common Questions

Why do my meatballs fall apart?

Ensure you’re using enough binding ingredients (egg and breadcrumbs) and don’t move the meatballs too early when browning.

How do I prevent tough meatballs?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overcooking them in the sauce.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

• • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave at 50% power.

Pairings for Spaghetti and Meatballs in a Dutch Oven

Serve this classic dish with:

• • Garlic bread

• • Caesar salad

• • Roasted vegetables

• • A glass of Italian red wine