Italian > Pasta > Spaghetti

Carmasciano-Style Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands.

4. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

6. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.

7. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.

9. Add the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes or until heated through.

10. Serve the spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 600
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 1000mg
Sugar: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley.

Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier meatball.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a deeper flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to season the meat mixture well with salt and pepper.
- Wet your hands before shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the meatballs to ensure even cooking.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the spaghetti and meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the spaghetti and meatballs in a large pasta bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Carmasciano-Style Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created by Italian immigrants in New York City who combined traditional Italian meatballs with American spaghetti.

Flavor profiles:
The dish is savory and hearty, with a rich tomato sauce and tender meatballs. The spaghetti is cooked al dente and provides a satisfying texture.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal.

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Region: Italian

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