Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients for an **Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs**, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords to help you rank better:
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### **Ingredients for Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs**
#### **For the Meatballs:**
- **Ground beef** (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- **Italian sausage** (mild or spicy, for added flavor)
- **Breadcrumbs** (Italian-seasoned or plain)
- **Parmesan cheese** (freshly grated for richness)
- **Eggs** (to bind the meatballs)
- **Garlic** (minced, for aromatic flavor)
- **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for freshness)
- **Salt and black pepper** (to taste)
- **Olive oil** (for frying or baking meatballs)
#### **For the Spaghetti Sauce:**
- **Tomato sauce** (canned or homemade)
- **Crushed tomatoes** (for a chunky texture)
- **Tomato paste** (to thicken and deepen flavor)
- **Onion** (finely chopped, for sweetness)
- **Garlic** (minced, for robust flavor)
- **Olive oil** (for sautéing onions and garlic)
- **Dried oregano** (classic Italian seasoning)
- **Dried basil** (for herbal notes)
- **Bay leaves** (for subtle depth)
- **Red pepper flakes** (optional, for a hint of spice)
- **Sugar** (a pinch to balance acidity)
- **Salt and black pepper** (to taste)
- **Fresh basil** (optional, for garnish)
#### **For Serving:**
- **Spaghetti pasta** (cooked al dente)
- **Parmesan cheese** (grated, for topping)
- **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for garnish)
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By using these ingredients and keywords, your recipe will appeal to both search engines and food enthusiasts looking for authentic Italian flavors!
Steps
# How to Make Authentic Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Craving a hearty, flavorful Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs? This classic recipe combines rich tomato sauce, savory meatballs, and aromatic herbs for a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Follow these detailed steps to create an authentic Italian masterpiece that will impress your guests.
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## **Ingredients for Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs**
### **For the Meatballs:**
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
### **For the Spaghetti Sauce:**
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Meatballs**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 12-15 meatballs).
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Set aside.
### **2. Make the Spaghetti Sauce**
1. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and broth. Mix well to combine.
3. Add sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
### **3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce**
1. Carefully place the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Ensure they are fully submerged.
2. Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
### **4. Serve and Garnish**
1. While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
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## **Tips for the Best Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs**
- **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavor of the sauce and meatballs.
- **Simmer Slowly:** Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes enhances its depth and richness.
- **Customize:** Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or red wine for extra flavor.
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## **Why This Recipe Works**
This Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it balances savory meatballs with a rich, tangy tomato sauce. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates an authentic Italian flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.
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Enjoy this delicious Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs recipe, perfect for any occasion. Buon appetito!