Best 20 Meatball Spaghetti Sauce Recipes

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the timeless classic: meatball spaghetti sauce. The hearty meatballs simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti, is a mouthwatering combination that has been enjoyed by families for generations. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, creating the perfect meatball spaghetti sauce is an achievable goal with the right guidance. In this article, we will embark on a culinary journey, exploring the secrets and techniques to crafting a meatball spaghetti sauce that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs image

This was my mother-in-law's recipe and as a bride, my first adventure into serious cooking. I enjoy spending the time making it, knowing I'll have enough for several meals. -Anne Eynon Feasterville, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 cup chopped onion
1 large green pepper, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
3/4 cup water
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
MEATBALLS:
1 egg
1 cup chopped onion
2 slices bread, cubed
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound ground beef
1/4 pound ground veal
1/4 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, saute the onion, green pepper, celery and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, bay leaves, sugar, oregano, cloves, pepper flakes and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the egg, onion, bread cubes, milk, parsley, garlic and salt. Crumble meat over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. In a skillet, brown the meatballs in batches in oil; drain. , Add meatballs to sauce. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Discard bay leaves. Serve meatballs and sauce with spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 364mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

MEATBALLS WITH SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Meatballs with Spaghetti Sauce image

"A friend gave me the recipe for this traditional favorite. It's her Italian mother-in-law's recipe from the old country, and it tastes wonderful," writes Denise Linnett of Picton, Ontario.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon 2% milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces lean ground beef
2 ounces ground pork
SAUCE:
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) whole tomatoes, quartered
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble beef and pork over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-3/4-in. balls. , Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°; drain., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste, water, parsley, sugar, basil and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. , Add meatballs to sauce; simmer 5 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 544 calories, Fat 24g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 186mg cholesterol, Sodium 1445mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (26g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 37g protein.

ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs image

This is a recipe I got from my mother years ago -- it's great.

Provided by Jeremy

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 2h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg, beaten
¾ cup chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup olive oil
2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 bay leaf
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
¾ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and beaten egg. Mix well and form into 12 balls. Store, covered, in refrigerator until needed.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is translucent. Stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar and bay leaf. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 90 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, basil, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and meatballs and simmer 30 minutes more. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.6 calories, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 77.4 mg, Fat 21.2 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 1492.5 mg, Sugar 11.1 g

ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs image

Make and share this Italian Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CHEF GRPA

Categories     Meatballs

Time 2h20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup fresh breadcrumb
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup chopped onion
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 (28 ounce) cans whole canned tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 bay leaf
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and beaten egg. Mix well and form into 12 balls. Store, covered, in refrigerator until needed.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is translucent. Stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar and bay leaf. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 90 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, basil, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and meatballs and simmer 30 minutes more. Serve.
  • My update Note: I was leary of making this without first pre-cooking the meatballs, but this is by far the best spaghetti and meatballs I have ever made. The meatballs ended up a nice brown color, they were not over cooked and I think putting them in before browning allowed some of the meat flavor to seep into the sauce.
  • #2 Instead of using all ground beef, I opted to use a combination of ground pork and ground beef (12 oz ground beef, 4 oz ground pork) -instead of plain bread crumbs, I used pre-seasoned breadcrumbs, I increased the parmesan cheese to 4 oz. With the sauce, instead of using 2 (28 oz) cans of whole tomatoes, I used 1 (28 oz can) of whole tomatoes, and then two smaller cans (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes. After simmering the sauce, I ran half of it through the blender to make it smoother. I also added a small can of tomato sauce in addition to the tomato paste, plus for added flavour I added 1 tsp italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp basil, and 1 tsp garlic powder.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.4, Fat 19.1, SaturatedFat 5, Cholesterol 80.9, Sodium 1591.2, Carbohydrate 32.9, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 12.6, Protein 22.7

MEATBALL SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Meatball Spaghetti Sauce image

Tasty seasoned meatballs simmered in a flavorful red sauce. For a creamier sauce, substitute milk for the water.

Provided by CRYSTELLE

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup dry bread crumbs
⅔ cup milk
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
2 (10.75 ounce) cans water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • To make meatballs: Combine in a bowl ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, garlic, onions, salt, parsley and pepper; mix well. Roll into 1 inch balls and set aside.
  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat; add meatballs and cook gently so they stay whole and are lightly browned.
  • To make the sauce: Mix together tomato soup, water, lemon juice, salt, parsley, basil, sage, thyme and cayenne pepper in a large saucepan, add meatballs and simmer for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375 calories, Carbohydrate 32.3 g, Cholesterol 78.9 mg, Fat 18.9 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 19.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 1432.9 mg, Sugar 11.4 g

MOM'S SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Mom's Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
8 cloves garlic, half grated or minced, the other half sliced
1/4 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano, plus more for garnish
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup dry white wine
Two 26.5-ounce boxes strained tomatoes, such as Pomi
4 fresh basil leaves, torn, plus torn leaves for garnish
2 pounds spaghetti

Steps:

  • Combine the beef, pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, grated garlic, Pecorino Romano, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Using your hands, thoroughly mix the ingredients together until evenly incorporated. Roll into meatballs slightly larger than golf balls, setting them on baking sheets as you work.
  • Heat the oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven until it shimmers. Working in batches and taking care not to crowd the pan, saute the meatballs, turning frequently, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer from the pan back to the baking sheet.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the onion to the pan, and saute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the sliced garlic, stir, and cook 1 minute more. Add the wine, increase the heat, and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, 4 of the basil leaves, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and the meatballs along with any accumulated juices. Simmer, partially covered, until the flavors come together, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
  • Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in two batches in boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain and serve with the meatballs and sauce ladled on top. Garnish with torn basil and freshly grated Pecorino-Romano.

REAL MEATBALLS AND SPAGHETTI



Real Meatballs and Spaghetti image

For homemade Italian comfort, make Ina Garten's Real Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, starring veal, pork and beef.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
1 cup fresh white bread crumbs (4 slices, crusts removed)
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 extra-large egg, beaten
Vegetable oil
Olive oil
1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup good red wine, such as Chianti
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, or plum tomatoes in puree, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
Freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Place the ground meats, both bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, egg, and 3/4 cup warm water in a bowl. Combine very lightly with a fork. Using your hands, lightly form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs. You will have 14 to 16 meatballs.
  • Pour equal amounts of vegetable oil and olive oil into a large (12-inch) skillet to a depth of 1/4-inch. Heat the oil. Very carefully, in batches, place the meatballs in the oil and brown them well on all sides over medium-low heat, turning carefully with a spatula or a fork. This should take about 10 minutes for each batch. Don't crowd the meatballs. Remove the meatballs to a plate covered with paper towels. Discard the oil but don't clean the pan.
  • For the sauce, heat the olive oil in the same pan. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the wine and cook on high heat, scraping up all the brown bits in the pan, until almost all the liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on the lowest heat for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve hot on cooked spaghetti and pass the grated Parmesan.

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS WITH TOMATO SAUCE



Spaghetti and Meatballs with Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large Spanish onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed with some kosher salt to make a paste
Two 28-ounce cans plum tomatoes and their juices, pureed in a blender
One 16-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 small bunch Italian parsley
1 Cubano chile pepper, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 recipe Meatballs, recipe follows
1 recipe Spaghetti, recipe follows
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground beef
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped and sauteed
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
1 cup pure olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
12 cups water
Salt
1 pound #8 or #9 spaghetti
Freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add pureed tomatoes with their juices, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 cup water, bay leaf, parsley, Cubano pepper, and bring to a boil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes. Add Meatballs and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and Meatballs are tender. Remove the bay leaf.
  • Add enough sauce to the drained pasta (that has been returned to the pot) to coat and continue cooking briefly, just until pasta is well combined with sauce. Serve pasta with Meatballs on top and garnished with fresh basil.
  • Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl, except olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Heat the oil in large saute pan over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, fry meatballs, in batches as needed, until golden brown, but not cooked through completely. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.
  • Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain well in a colander, return to pot, and toss with sauce. Serve with meatballs and Parmesan on top.

SPAGHETTI AND DROP MEATBALLS WITH TOMATO SAUCE



Spaghetti and Drop Meatballs With Tomato Sauce image

This fast version of spaghetti and meatballs with red gravy is ready in less than 30 minutes, but you'll be chopping, stirring and monitoring heat - actively working - from start to finish. You'll be busy, but not frantic, and rewarded not only with the twirling of pasta in half an hour, but with the satisfaction that you made every second count.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, lunch, weekday, weeknight, pastas, main course

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces ground beef
6 ounces Parmesan, or about 1 1/2 cups
1 bunch fresh parsley
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
Black pepper
1 large onion
3 garlic cloves
6 cups canned crushed tomatoes (a little less than two 28-ounce cans)
3 bay leaves
1 pound spaghetti

Steps:

  • Bring a stockpot of water to a boil and salt it. Put the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Put the ground beef in a medium bowl. Grate the cheese, put 1 cup over the meat and reserve the rest, about 1/2 cup. Chop 1/2 cup of parsley and add all but 2 tablespoons to the meat mixture; save the rest of the parsley for another use. Add the bread crumbs, crack in the egg, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently mix until everything is just combined.
  • Raise the heat to medium-high; use 2 teaspoons to drop rounds of the meatball mixture into the skillet without touching one another if you can help it. Adjust the heat so the meatballs sizzle but don't burn and cook undisturbed until they're lightly browned on the bottom, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, trim, peel and chop the onion; scatter it around the meatballs. Peel and mince the garlic and put it on top of the onions.
  • When the meatballs are browned on the bottom and the aromatics begin to soften, add the tomatoes to the skillet, along with the bay leaves and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Adjust the heat so the mixture bubbles gently but steadily, then cover the skillet and cook until the meat cooks through, about 8 minutes. Remove the lid and let the sauce bubble vigorously to thicken for another 5 to 10 minutes, essentially while the pasta cooks. Stir only as needed and carefully if you do.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and stir. Start tasting after 5 minutes. When the pasta is tender but not mushy, drain it, reserving some cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot.
  • Move the meatballs to one side of the skillet with a spatula and stir the sauce; taste and adjust the seasoning. Discard the bay leaves and spoon about half the sauce into the pasta pot. Toss the pasta over low heat, adding a splash of cooking water to make it saucier if you like.
  • To serve, divide the pasta among 4 plates or bowls; top with the meatballs and the remaining sauce, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and parsley over the top.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1052, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 124 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 54 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 1594 milligrams, Sugar 22 grams, TransFat 1 gram

PASTA WITH MEATBALLS AND HERB SAUCE



Pasta With Meatballs and Herb Sauce image

Before you use herbs as a main ingredient - it helps to know which ones work on a grand scale. Parsley, obviously, works in abundance: it's clean-tasting, pleasantly grassy and almost never overwhelming. You can add literally a bunch (bunches!) of it to salad, soup, eggs, pasta, grains or beans. The same is largely true of basil, and you can use other mild herbs - chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, shiso - by at least the handful. (Mint is also useful but will easily take over a dish if you add too much of it. But all of these are great for making herb pastes, or pestos, alone or in combination. Use the same technique you use for basil pesto.)

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, easy, pastas, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups finely chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh chives
1 thin slice white bread
1/4 cup milk
1/2 pound ground sirloin, pork or lamb or a mixture
Salt
black pepper
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound pasta
1 garlic clove
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Steps:

  • Mix together the basil, parsley and chives. Soak the bread in the milk for 5 minutes, then gently squeeze any excess milk from the bread; discard the milk. Combine the bread with the meat, 1 cup of the herbs and some salt and pepper; shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Put 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Cook the pasta in the boiling water until tender but not mushy. While the pasta is cooking, purée 11/2 cups of the herbs with 4 tablespoons oil, the garlic and some salt and pepper in a mini food processor or blender; leave the sauce rough or add a little water if you want it smoother. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of its cooking liquid. Toss the pasta with the herb sauce and most of the remaining herbs, adding the reserved liquid if the mixture seems dry. Top with the meatballs, garnish with Parmesan and the last of the herbs and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 750, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 89 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 28 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 549 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

MEATBALLS AND GRAVY (SPAGHETTI SAUCE)



Meatballs and Gravy (Spaghetti Sauce) image

We used to have this every Wednesday. This is essentially my grandma's recipe, I just add more cheese to the meatballs than she did. Sometimes I leave the neckbones out and add some Italian sausage.

Provided by JenniferK2

Categories     Meat

Time 3h

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup romano cheese, freshly grated
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1 teaspoon basil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 garlic cloves, crushed
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 cup water
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
3 (28 ounce) cans tomato puree
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon basil
1 tablespoon parsley
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
3 pork bones (neckbones)

Steps:

  • Place ground beef, pork, bread crumbs, Romano cheese, eggs, milk, seasoned salt and basil into a large bowl.
  • Mix well with hands; shape into 24 balls.
  • Brown meatballs in pan, making sure to keep a thin layer of water on the bottom of the pan at all times to prevent burning.
  • While meatballs are cooking, start the gravy.
  • Brown onion lightly in olive oil in a large pot.
  • Add garlic and cook 1 or 2 minutes.(Do not burn.).
  • Add tomato paste and water.
  • Stir until tomato paste is thinned.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  • Bring to a slow boil and reduce heat.
  • When meatballs are done, add to sauce.
  • Simmer, covered loosely, over low heat about 2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  • If sauce is too thick water may be added.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 438.7, Fat 19.2, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 103.3, Sodium 1372.8, Carbohydrate 42, Fiber 8.2, Sugar 14.5, Protein 29.5

HEALTHIER ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs image

We added carrot and fresh garlic to this spaghetti sauce, and even made the meatballs healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. We suggest serving over the whole grain pasta of your choice.

Provided by MakeItHealthy

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
¾ cup chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup olive oil
2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 bay leaf
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 basil leaves, torn, plus additional for sprinkling on top

Steps:

  • Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 clove garlic, and beaten egg in a large bowl. Mix well and form into 12 balls. Store covered in refrigerator until needed.
  • Cook and stir onion, 5 cloves garlic, and olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until onions are translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar, and bay leaf. Cover with lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 60 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, basil, and meatballs. Simmer on low heat until meatballs are cooked through, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Cholesterol 81.3 mg, Fat 20.7 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 21.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 1552.1 mg, Sugar 11.3 g

TEST KITCHEN'S FAVORITE SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Test Kitchen's Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Swapping out some of the ground beef for chopped mushrooms is the secret behind the complex flavor of these meatballs. A quick blast in the broiler gives them a nice crust -- and the noncrisp parts soak up the delicious sauce.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups finely chopped onion (from 1 large)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 to 5 cloves)
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
2 cans (each 28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes in juice, pureed in a blender or food processor
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 pound cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1/3 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano (1 ounce), plus more for serving
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 pound ground beef (85 percent lean), preferably grass-fed
1 pound spaghetti, spaghettini, or bucatini

Steps:

  • Red Sauce: Heat a straight-sided skillet over medium. Swirl in oil; add onion and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in garlic and red-pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. Transfer one-third of onion mixture to a bowl and reserve for meatballs. Add tomatoes to skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened slightly, about 20 minutes.
  • Meatballs: While sauce simmers, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Swirl in oil. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and most of moisture has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with reserved onion mixture; let cool slightly.
  • Preheat broiler with rack 4 inches below heating element. Stir breadcrumbs and milk into mushroom mixture until milk is absorbed. Add cheese, parsley, oregano, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add beef and gently fold with your hands until evenly combined (don't overwork, or meatballs will be tough). Use an ice cream scoop, or roll heaping tablespoons between dampened palms, to form thirty 1 1/2-inch balls. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet brushed with oil. Broil, undisturbed, until browned on top, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer meatballs to skillet with red sauce. Simmer, stirring gently, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, boil pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than per package instructions. Drain pasta and return to pot; toss with 1 1/2 cups sauce. Serve, topped with meatballs, more sauce, cheese, red-pepper flakes, and parsley.

SPAGHETTI WITH ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Spaghetti with Italian Meatballs image

Sharon Crider sends this hearty spaghetti dinner from Junction City, Kansas. "It's one of my family's favorite recipes," she writes. "We enjoy servings of the sauce with a variety of pasta."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

3/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (28 ounces) Italian crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 cup water
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
MEATBALLS:
4 slices white bread, torn
1/2 cup water
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a small bowl, soak bread in water for 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cheese, garlic, basil, parsley, salt and bread. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. , In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. In batches, brown meatballs, adding more oil as needed. Remove to paper towels to drain. Add meatballs to sauce; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink. , Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Serve with meatballs and sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 69mg cholesterol, Sodium 612mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs image

This is my own recipe and never published before. I usually just dump everything in the pot without measuring it, but decided that if I wanted to post it, I had better measure so that others can at least have a starting point. Tweak it to your own tastes by adding either spicy or sweet Italian sausage. I like the bite of spicy. The spices listed here are approximate. Taste often and add more as needed. Just remember, that although you can add spices all day long, you can never remove them once they are in the sauce so add a little at a time, simmer a short time, taste and add more if desired. Make the recipe your own in the comfort of your kitchen by taking liberties with it. I won't mind in the least. It is what I would do if this recipe was posted by you. Note: The meatballs will feel dry due to the breadcrumbs while mixing. It will take some effort to mix, but do not add egg to the mix. Just keep squeezing the mixture through your fingers until all the cheese and bread crumbs are incorporated into the meat. You will not need the egg to bind them.

Provided by Karen From Colorado

Categories     Sauces

Time 4h20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs ground pork
1 lb Italian sausage
1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons chopped parsley, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion
8 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup red wine
1 1/2 cups water (I rinse the tomato sauce cans with water and pour it into the pot)
1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper
1 large bay leaf
2 tablespoons crushed basil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps:

  • Mix together with wet hands the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, cheese, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons parsley, black pepper and onion powder into a large mixing bowl.
  • Shape into meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven or large pot; brown the meatballs 1/2 at a time in the hot oil, removing them to drain as they brown and adding the rest until all are browned; set aside.
  • Add the onion and garlic to the oil left in the pan.
  • Add Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed from links and crumbled) to the onions and garlic; sauté until veggies are tender and sausage is browned; drain any fat left in the pan.
  • Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the sausage mixture.
  • Add the browned meatballs.
  • Rinse the tomato sauce cans with the water and add to the tomato sauce.
  • Stir in the wine, diced bell pepper, bay leaf, basil, oregano and brown sugar.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally; turn heat down to a simmer and cover.
  • Simmer 3 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste often and add more spices to taste if needed, simmering after each addition before tasting again.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and red pepper flakes 1 hour before serving if desired.
  • Serve over hot, cooked and drained spaghetti.
  • Sauce can be frozen. Place in freezer containers or freezer bags for another meal.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 588.4, Fat 33.4, SaturatedFat 12.2, Cholesterol 119.1, Sodium 1486.2, Carbohydrate 28.1, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 12.2, Protein 40.8

HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs image

I have been making this spaghetti recipe, from a dear family friend, for over 25 years. It is by far the best homemade sauce and meatballs we have ever had. I've also just fried the beef and added it to the sauce, then used it to make lasagna.

Provided by Lynn1964

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 3h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 (29 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
19 fluid ounces tomato juice
1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
16 soda crackers, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, onion, parsley, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, thyme, and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, combine beef, crackers, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and thyme in a bowl. Form into large meatballs and place into a broiler pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned and no longer pink in the centers, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer meatballs to sauce and continue to simmer, 2 to 2 1/2 hours more.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Serve sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384 calories, Carbohydrate 47.6 g, Cholesterol 85.9 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 23.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 759.2 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

TRADITIONAL SPAGHETTI SAUCE & MEATBALLS



Traditional Spaghetti Sauce & Meatballs image

This recipe was taught to me over 40 years ago by an old Italian man straight from Italy, who had taught it to my mother in law before me.It was an art he enjoyed, and took all day long creating.Sometimes a piece of Chicken, or a pork chop was added, but our favorite is the kielbasa sausage.The sauce was cooked awhile, then stirred and sampled. More spices were added as deemed necessary. The meatballs were prepared using a little sauce as one of the ingredients. They were cooked, then added to the sauce for awhile, and ocassionaly, one was removed and sampled by everyone. The wine was added to the sauce, and once the sauce, and the meatballs met everyones approval the spaghetti was prepared.It was served with a salad and fresh bread, and of course parmasean cheese was passed around. Hints: If you are not familiar with herbs, and their amounts, this will be a difficult recipe, because the amounts given are guess work. If you taste frequently, you will find you can adjust them to your taste. If you like a sweet sauce, add a small amount of sugar, and use Merlot Wine, as it is sweeter. If you wish to skip the meatballs, simply fry the burger and onion til done, and put it in the sauce towards the end of your cooking time. You must keep checking the sauce, as it will cook down, and as it begins to thicken, additional water will be necessary. Do not cut cooking time as it must cook 4 hours, or it will have an acid taste. The seasonings will correct this if you adjust them as you go.

Provided by Lou6566

Categories     Spaghetti

Time 4h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

4 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste (Contadina )
9 cups water
2 teaspoons oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced, from a jar
1 1/2 teaspoons basil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon onion, dry minced
1 lb kielbasa, cut into chunks
1/4 cup wine
1 (8 ounce) can mixed mushrooms
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (the kind in the green can, fresh doesn' t work well)
1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
1 lb ground chuck
1/2 cup dry unseasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (the kind in the green can)
1 small onion, minced (about 1/2 Cup)
1 egg
1/4 cup spaghetti sauce (from pot)
1 -2 tablespoon italian seasoning
black pepper
salt

Steps:

  • In a larg pot mix tomato paste,water, seasonings together. Place on stove and simmer over med.
  • Simmer over med-high heat til it comes to a slight boil. Turn the heat to low and keep it at a very gentle simmer.
  • Cook and stir frequently. taste to see if you like the spice combination, adding more as necessary.If sauce thickens too much, add a little extra water.
  • Cook 2 hours, and add kielbasa, and mushrooms to the sauce. Cook another 30 minutes.
  • Prepare meatballs:.
  • Mix together the onion, egg, ground beef, salt, pepper, seasoning, breadcrumbs,parmesan,and sauce. Shape into golf ball.
  • size balls, and brown on all sides. When done drop into the sauce.
  • Prepare spaghetti according to package directions, and it cooks, add wine , and parmesan cheese to sauce and stir gently to mix.cook just a few minutes longer to allow sauce to flavor meatballs.
  • When spaghetti is done, remove meatballs, and toss it with the sauce and serve with additional parmesan cheese.

GRANDMA'S OLD ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Grandma's Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs image

Grandma's sauce is an old recipe that she brought over from Italy. It is a long process with strange ingredients, but they all come together to make the best sauce I have ever had. The long process is worth your trouble the minute you take your first bite.

Provided by cherbear

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 8h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 pig's feet
1 pound pork neck bones
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 ½ cups water
2 (28 ounce) cans tomato puree
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 (16 ounce) loaf fresh Italian bread, torn into 2-inch pieces
1 cup water
6 eggs, beaten
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in the bottom of a large saucepan, and fry the garlic cloves 5 to 8 minutes, until brown and fragrant. Remove the garlic cloves and set aside. Place the pig's feet and pork neck bones in the saucepan and fry, turning occasionally, until the meat and bones have browned, about 15 minutes.
  • Return the garlic cloves to the saucepan, and stir in the tomato paste and 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, and pour in the tomato puree. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 3 hours, stirring from the bottom often to prevent burning, until the pig's feet are tender and the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in the sugar, pepper, and baking soda. Continue to simmer while you prepare the meatballs.
  • Soak the torn bread with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Squeeze excess water out of the bread, and place the bread in a large bowl with the 6 beaten eggs, ground pork, ground veal, and ground beef. Mix thoroughly and form into 24 meatballs about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh basil, let them cook for about 1 minute, and then add the meatballs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and fry them on all sides until brown, about 15 minutes, working in batches, if necessary.
  • Place the browned meatballs, along with the oil, garlic, and basil from the skillet into the sauce, stirring lightly to avoid breaking them. Add the whole hard-boiled eggs, and simmer for about 1 1/2 more hours, until the meatballs are cooked, the sauce is thick, and all the flavors have blended.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 599.1 calories, Carbohydrate 38 g, Cholesterol 319.1 mg, Fat 29.4 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 46.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 1437.4 mg, Sugar 11.6 g

BEST SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Best Spaghetti and Meatballs image

One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. -Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 cups chopped onions
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (12 ounces each) tomato paste
3 cups water
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
MEATBALLS:
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups soft bread cubes (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 pounds spaghetti, cooked

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions; saute until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato paste; cook 3-5 minutes. Add next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 50 minutes., Combine the first 7 meatball ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add meatballs; brown in batches until no longer pink. Drain. Add to sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until flavors are blended, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 18g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 1043mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

OUR FAVORITE SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Our Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Our ultimate version of everyone's favorite family-night dinner has a super tender and robust meat mixture, slow-simmered and flavorful sauce, and tons of cheese.

Provided by Rhoda Boone

Categories     Beef     Pasta     Pork     Kid-Friendly     Dinner     Veal     Back to School     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Frankenrecipe     Small Plates

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 27

For the tomato sauce:
1/2 cup olive oil
12 garlic cloves, peeled
4 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 dried bay leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teapoon freshly ground pepper
2/3 cup (packed) basil leaves
For the meatballs:
1 cup roughly torn day-old Italian bread
1 cup whole milk
8 ounces ground beef
8 ounces ground pork
8 ounces ground veal
3 large eggs, beaten to blend
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan, divided
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound spaghetti

Steps:

  • Make the tomato sauce:
  • Heat a large, wide pot over medium-low and add oil and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden brown on all sides (if it starts to burn, reduce heat), 8-10 minutes. While garlic cooks, break up tomatoes into smaller pieces with a paring knife or kitchen shears. When garlic is almost ready, add red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until toasted and fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, oregano, and pepper and stir, breaking up tomatoes with a wooden spoon, until well combined.
  • Increase heat slightly and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened and flavors have concentrated, at least 2 hours and up to 3 hours.
  • Meanwhile, make the meatballs:
  • Place bread in a medium bowl, add milk, and let rest until moistened, about 5 minutes. Squeeze bread with your hands to remove excess milk, discarding milk. Tear bread into smaller, pea-size pieces and return to the medium bowl.
  • Combine beef, pork, veal, eggs, garlic, 1 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup parsley, 1 tsp. salt, oregano, pepper, fennel, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Using your hands, gently mix in bread until ingredients are evenly distributed (do not overmix).
  • Fill a small bowl with cool water. Moisten your hands and roll meat mixture between palms into golf-ball-sized balls, occasionally moistening hands as needed. Place meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet-you should have about 24-and chill until sauce is ready.
  • Finish the sauce and cook the meatballs and pasta:
  • After 2-3 hours of simmering, pluck out bay leaves and add basil. Using an immersion blender (or transfer sauce to a food processor or blender, working in batches, if necessary), purée until slightly chunky but not smooth. Reserve 1 1/2 cups sauce; keep remaining sauce in pot warm over very low heat.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add oil. Once hot, add meatballs to skillet (without crowding) and work in batches to brown on all sides, turning frequently, about 5 minutes per batch. Return meatballs to baking sheet as you brown them.
  • Once all meatballs are browned, add them to pot with tomato sauce. If your pot is not large enough, divide sauce and meatballs between 2 pots. Increase heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, 10-15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid, and return pasta to pot over medium-low heat. Spoon reserved 1 1/2 cups sauce over pasta and toss to coat. Add pasta cooking liquid, 1/4 cup at a time, as needed to loosen sauce and coat pasta.
  • Divide pasta among plates and top with meatballs and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1/4 cup parsley.
  • Do Ahead
  • Sauce can be made, cooled, and refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated 1 day in advance. Meatballs can be cooked in sauce, cooled, and refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your sauce.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make a meatball spaghetti sauce, so feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking.
  • Cook the meatballs thoroughly. This will help to prevent them from falling apart in the sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.
  • Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta. Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can also use penne, macaroni, or any other type of pasta that you like.

Conclusion:

Meatball spaghetti sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make a meatball spaghetti sauce that will impress your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

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