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Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Course: Main Course
Kitchen: Italian-American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • Salt for pasta water

Instructions

  • Make the Meatballs:
  • Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 12-15 meatballs).
  • Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce:
  • Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Stir to combine.
  • Add the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Boil the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Serve:
  • Combine or Serve Separately: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs, or serve the spaghetti topped with sauce and meatballs.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.