Description
A classic Italian-American dish combining tender meatballs and a rich tomato sauce over spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- ½ pound ground pork (or substitute with additional beef or turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (28 oz each) San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 pound spaghetti (or bucatini)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Combine ground beef and pork in a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes before forming balls.
- Using slightly wet hands, roll the meat mixture into 1½-inch balls. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in hand-crushed tomatoes. Add basil, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes before adding meatballs.
- Place raw meatballs directly into the simmering sauce and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook spaghetti 1 minute less than package directions.
- Whisk the sauce over the meatballs and serve over spaghetti. Finish with fresh basil and Parmesan.
Notes
For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken and use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: spaghetti, meatballs, Italian, comfort food, pasta