Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet for cooking meatballs and sauce
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
8. Add meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
9. In a baking dish, layer cooked spaghetti and meatball mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 560
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 890mg
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use spaghetti squash instead of spaghetti for a low-carb option.
- Make the meatballs smaller or larger depending on your preference.
- Use ground pork or a combination of ground meats for the meatballs.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent meatballs from sticking to the skillet, use a non-stick skillet or coat the skillet with cooking spray.
- If the meatballs are not cooked through after browning, finish cooking them in the sauce.
- To make the dish spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Caso Conzato is a traditional Italian dish from the region of Calabria. It typically consists of spaghetti, meatballs, and tomato sauce, topped with cheese and baked in the oven.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory, slightly spicy, and cheesy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Hearty, Umami, Comforting