Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey with Brian's legendary Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs - the ultimate comfort food that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs swimming in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a flavor-packed experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and maybe even the recipe)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti pasta
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is thoroughly combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 12-15 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the can of crushed tomatoes and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer, then carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. You can toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- After the sauce has simmered for 30 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on each plate, top with the meatballs and sauce, and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade Brian's Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Tips
- For the most tender meatballs, handle the mixture gently and avoid overmixing the ingredients.
- Use fresh garlic if possible for a more robust flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Choose a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best taste.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a little water or pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs well before adding them to the sauce - this creates a delicious caramelized exterior.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day!
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 208kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 76mg
