Spaghetti And Meatballs With Bell Peppers And Onions
Spaghetti and meatballs with bell peppers and onions is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make spaghetti and meatballs with bell peppers and onions, as well as some tips and tricks to help you perfect this dish.
Ingredients
To make spaghetti and meatballs with bell peppers and onions, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the bell peppers and onion. Cook until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add the Meatballs
Add the meatballs back to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce and meatballs. Toss until well combined.
Tips and Tricks
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can cook the meatballs and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs and vegetables in the skillet and add the sauce.
- You can also freeze the meatballs and vegetables for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and follow the instructions above.
- If you want to add some extra flavor to this dish, you can add some chopped fresh basil or parsley to the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more red pepper flakes or even some hot sauce.
- If you are serving this dish to a large crowd, you can double or triple the recipe as needed.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs with bell peppers and onions is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. With this step-by-step guide and some helpful tips and tricks, you can easily make this dish at home and impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try today?