Every year for Valentine’s Day, my husband and I skip the restaurant rush and stay in. We either cook or order our favorite food and settle in for a movie. It’s honestly my favorite tradition and such a cozy way to celebrate. There’s something about a homemade meal and a relaxed night at home that feels way more special than fighting crowds and reservations.

A big bowl of spaghetti and homemade meatballs is perfect for a Valentine’s Day or at-home date night. It’s comforting, sharable, and feels a little fancy without being complicated. These baked beef and pork meatballs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Baking them first gives you a nicely browned exterior, then they finish simmering in sauce so they soak up all that richness. I love serving them over spaghetti with extra parmesan and fresh basil for the ultimate cozy date-night dinner!

Let’s get into the recipe…

Easy Date Night Baked Beef and Pork Meatballs

Serves: ~6

Makes: 15-20 large meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork (I used ButcherBox for both the beef and pork!)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup grated parmesan, plus more for topping
• ⅓ cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 jars pasta sauce of choice (for serving)
• Pasta of choice (for serving)
• Optional topping: fresh basil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan, parsley, onion, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Scoop about 3–4 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into large meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. You should get about 12 large meatballs.
4. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the outsides are browned and the meatballs are mostly cooked through.
5. While the meatballs bake, pour your pasta sauce into a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Transfer the baked meatballs into the sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until fully cooked through and tender.
6. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!