Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• Salt for boiling water

Instructions

Making the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

Making the Sauce:

1. While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Combining Everything:

1. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and gently stir to coat them.
2. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti and meatballs!