Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lb. spaghetti
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Saucepan
- Colander
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and eggs. Mix together until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
5. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions.
7. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and return to the pot.
8. Add the sauce and meatballs to the spaghetti and toss to combine.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 590
Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 59 g
Protein: 33 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or oats.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley.
- Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil.
Variations:
- The sauce can be made with any combination of canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh herbs.
- The meatballs can be made with any combination of ground meats and seasonings.
- The spaghetti can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
Tips and Tricks:
- To make the meatballs more tender, add a few tablespoons of milk to the mixture.
- To make the sauce more flavorful, add a few tablespoons of red wine.
- To make the spaghetti more flavorful, add a few tablespoons of butter to the pot.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs in a large bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley.
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs on a platter with a side of garlic bread.
Garnishes:
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out.
- If the meatballs are too dry, add a few tablespoons of milk to the mixture.
Food Safety Advice:
- Cook the meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It is a popular dish that is enjoyed by many around the world.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor from the ground beef, tomato sauce, and herbs. It also has a slight sweetness from the tomato sauce and a hint of saltiness from the Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables
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Region: Italian