Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for cooking spaghetti
- Large skillet for cooking meatballs
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Shape meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake meatballs in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
8. Add cooked meatballs to the skillet and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
9. Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 550
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 30g
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.
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs such as oregano or thyme in the meatball mixture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meatball mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform meatballs.
- To prevent meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve meatballs and sauce in a large serving bowl with spaghetti on the side.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are too dry, add a splash of milk to the meat mixture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs until they are fully cooked through to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly sweet, and tangy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad.
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Region: Italian