Spaghetti and meatballs is my all-time-favorite Italian-American dish. The key to a great plate of spaghetti and meatballs are the tender, juicy meatballs and the homemade sauce full of fresh herbs and flavor. Follow my recipe for a perfect plate of spaghetti and meatballs every single time.
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
INGREDIENTS:
for the meatballs:
1 pound 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs, a couple of handfuls
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper
for the sauce:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic, crushed or chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup beef stock
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
10 leaves fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
extras:
1 pound spaghetti noodles
Grated cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano, for passing at table
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425ºF.
Place a large pot of water on to boil for spaghetti. When it boils, add salt and pasta and cook to al dente.
Mix beef, Worcestershire, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Roll meat into 1 1/2 inch medium-sized meatballs and place on nonstick cookie sheet or a cookie sheet greased with extra-virgin olive oil. Bake balls 10 to 12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 140ºF.
Heat a medium pot over medium heat. Add oil, crushed pepper, garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté 5 to 7 minutes, until the onion bits are soft. Add beef stock, crushed tomatoes, and herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
Toss hot, drained pasta with a few ladles of the sauce and grated cheese. Turn meatballs in remaining sauce. Place pasta on dinner plates and top with meatballs and sauce and extra grated cheese.
Serve & enjoy!
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