The quest for the perfect spaghetti and meatballs recipe often feels like an endless journey. But what if the answer was simpler, and tastier, than you ever imagined? Look no further than the Pioneer Woman spaghetti sauce recipe, a delightful creation from Ree Drummond herself. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a comforting, flavor-packed meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Straight from the pages of her children’s book (and thankfully, readily available online!), this recipe delivers moist, flavorful meatballs and a truly yummy sauce. If you’re like me and spaghetti night is a regular occurrence, then prepare to add this Pioneer Woman gem to your rotation. Paired with a crisp Caesar salad and some crusty garlic bread, you’ve got a dinner that’s guaranteed to please.
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Meatballs in a white bowl, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the easy steps, let’s gather all the ingredients for both the meatballs and the flavorful spaghetti sauce. This Pioneer Woman spaghetti sauce recipe utilizes simple, pantry-staple ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
Meatball Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs (from about 2 slices of thick bread, processed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- Splash of milk
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 8 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Making Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs: Step-by-Step Instructions
This Pioneer Woman spaghetti sauce recipe is surprisingly straightforward. We’ll start by making the meatballs, then move on to the sauce, and finally bring them together for a perfect simmer.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and Italian parsley. Add a splash of milk to help keep the meatballs moist. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly with your hands until just combined – avoid overmixing.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Baking the meatballs ensures they are cooked through and hold their shape beautifully in the sauce.
Step 3: Start the Spaghetti Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in both cans of tomatoes (whole and crushed). Add salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, sugar, and chopped parsley to the pot. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Blend (Optional) and Add Meatballs
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend some of the larger tomato chunks directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer a portion of the sauce to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. Gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce.
Step 6: Simmer Together
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the spaghetti sauce and meatballs simmer together for another 30 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating that classic Italian comfort food taste. Stir gently a few times during this time.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil. Serve the Pioneer Woman spaghetti sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh parsley, if desired.
Overhead view of a pot of Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs simmering on a stovetop, with steam rising.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Using fresh Italian parsley and basil really elevates the flavor of this dish. Don’t skimp on them!
- Bread Crumbs for Moist Meatballs: The bread crumbs and splash of milk are crucial for keeping the meatballs tender and moist.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce before adding the meatballs and adjust the salt, pepper, and sugar to your preference. Everyone’s taste buds are different!
- Simmer Time Matters: Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become.
- Make it Ahead: Spaghetti sauce and meatballs are often even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld. This makes it a great dish for meal prepping or entertaining.
Enjoy this incredibly delicious and easy Pioneer Woman spaghetti sauce recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to bring the taste of Ree Drummond’s kitchen to your own home. Buon Appetito!
