Spaghetti and Meatballs (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 lb spaghetti.
02 -
2 slices sandwich bread.
03 -
3 tablespoons milk.
04 -
1 medium onion.
05 -
1 egg.
06 -
Fresh parsley.
07 -
3 cloves garlic.
08 -
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
09 -
1 teaspoon salt.
10 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
11 -
1 lb ground beef.
12 -
2 tablespoons olive oil.
13 -
28 oz can tomato passata.
14 -
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
15 -
1 teaspoon sugar.
16 -
1 teaspoon vinegar.
17 -
Pinch of nutmeg (optional).
18 -
1/2 cup water.
19 -
Red chili flakes (optional).
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine grated onion, bread cubes, and milk, letting the bread soak for a few minutes. Mash the bread mixture until smooth. Add parsley, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Mix well to form the base of the meatballs.
02 -
Gently fold in the ground beef to the mixture, making sure not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
03 -
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Set the browned meatballs aside on a plate.
04 -
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add tomato passata, water, dried Italian herbs, sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
05 -
Return the browned meatballs to the sauce and simmer on low heat for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to fully cook through.
06 -
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
07 -
Plate the cooked spaghetti and ladle the meatballs and sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender beef meatballs with a rich marinara sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. The dish offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, with juicy meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, and al dente pasta, making it a comforting and delicious meal.