Spaghetti And Garlic Meatballs

This classic Italian dish combines tender, flavorful garlic meatballs with a rich tomato sauce served over spaghetti. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Spaghetti:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• Salt (for pasta water)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix Meatball Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Form Meatballs:
   • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
3. Fry Meatballs:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

4. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
   • Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

7. Boil Pasta:
   • 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 and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If your skillet isn’t large enough, you can combine everything in a large serving bowl.
9. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley, if desired.
10. Serve:
    • Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Tips:

• Meat Mixture: For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork or add a bit of ground veal.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of pasta water or beef broth.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and reheat them together before serving. The flavors will meld and improve.

Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti and Garlic Meatballs, a classic comfort food favorite!