Spaghetti and Meatballs

 

Yield: 4-6 people

Author: Ana Marti

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 15 M

This is my take on an Italian-American classic: Spaghetti and meatballs. These meatballs are juicy and flavourful cooked in an even more delicious homemade sauce that's to die for.

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 cup pecorino cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste (about 1 teaspoon of each)
• 1/2 lb. lean ground beef (85% or 80%)
• 1/2 lb. ground pork

For the spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 big onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 can (35oz) crushed tomatoes
• 35oz of water (use the tomato can to measure the water)
• 1 piece of parmesan cheese rind, optional
• 3-5 fresh basil leaves
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (1lb) pack spaghetti

Instructions

1. To a large bowl, add breadcrumbs and milk. Mix until the breadcrumbs are mostly moistened. Add the beaten eggs along with the parmesan cheese, pecorino cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and mix. Add ground pork and ground beef to the mixture and mix until everything is well combined (But make sure not to overmix).
2. Roll meatballs into the desired size and place them on a plate. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to a pot and sear meatballs on both sides on medium heat. Do this in batches if necessary. Transfer seared meatballs back to the plate.
3. To the same pot(without washing), add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Add diced onions, mashed garlic, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add crushed tomatoes along with the water, basil leaves, cheese rind, salt, and pepper. Stir, cover partially and cook for 15 minutes. 
4. Add meatballs back into the pot in a single layer, if possible (or at least make sure all the meatballs are submerged in the sauce). Cook for 40 minutes, partially covered, stirring frequently to ensure nothing sticks.
5. Once the meatballs are at the 25-minute mark, start boiling your water to cook the pasta. Cook pasta according to the package's instructions.
6. Once the meatballs and pasta are done cooking, mix everything in one pot or serve the meatballs over the pasta. Top with more parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and ENJOY!

Notes:

1. The pecorino romano can be substituted with more parmesan cheese. 
2. If you would like to make it without the pork, use 1lb of ground beef instead. 
   
3. 
    

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @anitasdelightsrecipes on instagram and hashtag it #anitasdelightsrecipes