Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/4 cup Tometta Valle Elvo cheese, grated
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
6. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
7. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Add the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce.
10. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs topped with grated Tometta Valle Elvo cheese.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Tometta Valle Elvo cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet, lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- To make the meatballs more tender, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes before adding them to the meat mixture.
- To make the sauce less chunky, use a hand blender to puree the crushed tomatoes before adding the meatballs.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs in a large serving dish garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the meatballs are dry, add more milk to the mixture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food History:
- Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the early 20th century.
Flavor Profiles:
- Savory, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian