Spaghetti and Meatballs

Here’s a classic recipe for Spaghetti and Meatballs—comfort food at its finest. 🍝🍅✨

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Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp dried basil or oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• Salt, for boiling water

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions:

Make the Meatballs:

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
   • Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and set aside.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked; they’ll finish in the sauce).

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Make the Sauce:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed. Sauté onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Add crushed tomatoes, sugar (if using), basil or oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Meatballs:
   • Gently place the meatballs into the sauce. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are cooked through.