Best Spaghetti And Meatball Sauce Recipe
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many. The combination of al dente pasta and savory meatballs smothered in a rich tomato sauce is simply irresistible. While there are many versions of this dish, the best spaghetti and meatball sauce recipe is the one that is homemade with love and care.
Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatball Sauce:
Before we get started with the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with the recipe:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well-combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make around 24 meatballs. Set them aside.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook them for about 5 minutes, turning them occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and sauté them until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well-combined.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Add the meatballs back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
6. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the meatball sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well-coated with the sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the spaghetti and meatball sauce hot, garnished with some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
Tips:
Here are some tips to make the best spaghetti and meatball sauce recipe:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture or they will become tough.
- Use a combination of milk and breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and sugar.
Conclusion:
Making spaghetti and meatball sauce from scratch is easy and rewarding. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions and tips to make a delicious and savory sauce that will impress your family and friends. Try it out and enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home!