Spaghetti And Meatballs With Meat Sauce
Spaghetti and meatballs with meat sauce is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed by many for generations. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a dinner party with friends. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
The History of Spaghetti and Meatballs
The origins of spaghetti and meatballs are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Southern Italy in the early 19th century. The dish was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants, where it became a popular comfort food among the working-class communities.
Spaghetti and meatballs is now a staple in Italian-American cuisine and can be found on the menu of many Italian restaurants throughout the United States.
The Ingredients
The ingredients for spaghetti and meatballs with meat sauce are simple and can easily be found in most grocery stores. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Meatballs
To make the meatballs, start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Next, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make around 12-15 meatballs depending on the size.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
The Sauce
To make the meat sauce, use the same skillet that you used to cook the meatballs. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are softened.
Add the can of crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the meatballs back to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
The Pasta
While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti to the pot and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Spaghetti and meatballs with meat sauce is delicious on its own, but there are a few ways to elevate the dish even further.
You can top the dish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
You can also serve the dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs with meat sauce is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
