grandmas old italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs
Ben Chick
Ingredients
* Ground beef or Italian sausage
* Spaghetti noodles or pasta sheets
* Tomato paste or canned tomatoes
* Garlic cloves
* Onion
* Olive oil
* Salt
* Black pepper
* Dried basil leaves
* Italian seasoning blend
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Ingredients for a delicious and traditional Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs:
1. Ground beef or Italian sausage - a great base for the sauce.
2. Spaghetti noodles or pasta sheets - perfect for serving with the sauce.
3. Tomato paste or canned tomatoes - rich in flavor and easy to use.
4. Garlic cloves - adds depth and savory taste.
5. Onion - adds sweetness and caramelization to the sauce.
6. Olive oil - essential for cooking and adding richness.
7. Salt - enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
8. Black pepper - adds a bit of spice and zest.
9. Dried basil leaves - a classic Italian herb that complements the sauce perfectly.
10. Italian seasoning blend - includes a mix of herbs and spices for an authentic Italian flavor.
11. Red pepper flakes (optional) - adds a bit of heat and depth to the sauce.
12. Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
13. Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional) - adds a fresh and aromatic touch to the dish.
Steps
Grandma's Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs
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Making homemade spaghetti sauce is a staple in any Italian household. This recipe is one of my grandma's favorites and has been passed down from generation to generation. It takes a little bit of time and effort, but the result is worth it! Here are the steps you need to follow:
Ingredients
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For the sauce:
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 carrot, chopped
* 1 celery stalk, chopped
* 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz)
* 1 cup of water
* 2 tsp dried oregano
* 2 tsp dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
For the meatballs:
* 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
* 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, beaten
* Bread crumbs
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add the carrot and celery to the pot and cook for a few more minutes until they start to soften.
3. Open the can of whole peeled tomatoes and pour them into the pot, along with their juices.
4. Break up the tomatoes with your hands or a wooden spoon and stir them well. Add the water, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for at least 30 minutes.
5. While the sauce is cooking, make the meatballs by mixing together the ground beef or sausage, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
6. Form the meat mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until they become golden brown.
7. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the pot with the sauce and stir well. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes before serving.
8. Serve the spaghetti sauce with meatballs over a bed of cooked spaghetti noodles. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!