Bolognese Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 pound spaghetti

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. Add meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
7. While the meatballs are simmering, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
8. Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Skillet and pot should be heated over medium-high heat.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 625
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Sugar: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or pork.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Red wine can be substituted with beef broth or tomato juice.

Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the sauce for added nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or fettuccine instead of spaghetti.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meatball mixture for a unique flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the meatballs on all sides before adding them back to the sauce to ensure they are cooked through.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce in a large serving dish with the spaghetti on the side.
- Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Side salad
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind them together.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.

Food history:
- Bolognese sauce originated in the city of Bologna, Italy in the 18th century. It is traditionally made with ground beef, tomatoes, and red wine.

Flavor profiles:
- The meatballs are savory and slightly spicy, while the sauce is sweet and tangy with a hint of red wine.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Umami, Meaty, Rich, Tangy, Herbal