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40-Year Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs Secret

Spaghetti and Meatballs
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Make classic spaghetti and meatballs just like family used to. You will create tender, savory meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe brings back cherished dinner memories.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 pound spaghetti

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should have about 18-20 meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to coat all sides. Remove meatballs and set aside.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add dried basil to the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Gently return the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  7. While the meatballs simmer, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  8. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor in your meatballs, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for five minutes before mixing them in.
  • Richard suggests tasting the sauce after 30 minutes of simmering; adjust salt or add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of the sauce before adding the meatballs back in.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/classic-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe/