Spaghetti sauce with meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in rich, flavorful tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinner and pairs wonderfully with spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
INGREDIENTS:
For the meatballs:
list of 10 items
? 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
? 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
? 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
? 1 large egg
? 2 garlic cloves, minced
? 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
? 1/2 teaspoon salt
? 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
? 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
? 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying the meatballs)
list end
For the sauce:
list of 12 items
? 2 tablespoons olive oil
? 1 small onion, finely chopped
? 3 garlic cloves, minced
? 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
? 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
? 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
? 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
? 1 teaspoon dried oregano
? 1 teaspoon dried basil
? Salt and pepper, to taste
? 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
? 1 lb spaghetti
list end
INSTRUCTIONS:
list of 5 items
1. Make the meatballs:
list of 3 items nesting level 1
? In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until everything
is just combined (avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender).
? Roll the mixture into small, golf ball-sized meatballs.
? Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don¡¯t need to
be fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, set them aside on a plate.
list end nesting level 1
2. Make the sauce:
list of 2 items nesting level 1
? In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and saut¨¦ the chopped onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic
and cook for another minute.
? Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Bring the sauce to a simmer.
list end nesting level 1
3. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 25-30 minutes, stirring
occasionally. This will allow the meatballs to finish cooking and infuse the sauce with flavor.
list end nesting level 1
4. Cook the spaghetti:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
list end nesting level 1
5. Serve:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? Toss the cooked spaghetti with a little of the sauce to coat the noodles. Serve the spaghetti in bowls or on plates, topped with the meatballs and extra
sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
list end nesting level 1
list end
This spaghetti sauce with meatballs is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete Italian-inspired
dinner!
