Sharing my first recipe is exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. I was trying to think of the ideal recipe that would provide not only a great meal, but show you a bit of myself! And I came up with the perfect idea: my spaghetti and meatballs. Down home and simple, but always satisfying. This homemade sauce paired with my meatballs is a succulent, scrumptious, and superb way to fulfill all those cravings for authentic Italian food.
I have always been passionate about my pasta sauce, and one thing I love is that it does not need to cook for hours to be delicious and flavorful. One of my best friend’s Beth’s favorite things is my sauce, and hanging out with her while chatting over a bowl of pasta and sauce is one of MY favorite things. Cooking for friends and family is special to me, and this recipe feels like a bowl of love, even before adding a few delicious meatballs to the top! I am thrilled to share this bowl of love with you.
While it may look like a lot of components, the meatballs and the sauce share many of the same ingredients. My suggestion is eyeballing and chopping the onions, garlic, basil, and parsley for both the sauce and the meatballs at the same time, so that you only have to chop once!
Also, when most think of sauce, they think of the pot on the stove cooked all day. That sauce is always delicious, and this sauce is a quicker version with some of the same flavors. I have a special ingredient that I use that gives it the “cooked all day” taste without the commitment.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Makes about 6-8 servings
Time: About 45 minutes
1 lb. ground beef
1lb beef, veal, pork mix
1 egg
1 slice of bread, soaked in about 1/3 cup milk
¼ cup panko
2 tbsps. garlic, minced
¼ cup raw onion, finely chopped or minced
1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
½ tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper
¼ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. pepper
½ tsp. salt
2 tbsps. freshly grated parmesan (NOT shredded, finely grated)
2 tbsps. olive oil
1 ½ tbs. butter
2 tbsps. minced garlic
½ cup onion, finely chopped
2 28oz cans of San Marzano tomatoes
3 tsp basil, chopped
1 tsp parsley, chopped
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (more if you like it spicier, I like a hint of heat)
½ tsp dried oregano
2 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp bullion powder, chicken flavor
1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tbsp. agave syrup
Splash of balsamic vinegar
Splash of red wine vinegar
1 pound dried Spaghetti, or a pasta of your choice