Jenn's Out Of This World Spaghetti and Meatballs
Description
This authentic spaghetti and meatballs recipe is made with fresh oregano and parsley. Because the meatballs are cooked in the sauce, they are tender and savory.
Ingredients
•
3 tablespoons olive oil
•
3/4 cup chopped onion
•
4 cloves garlic, minced
•
2 (16 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
•
3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
•
1 cup water
•
1/2 cup sugar
•
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano, divided
•
1 dried bay leaf
•
salt and pepper to taste
•
1 pound ground round
•
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
•
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
•
2 eggs, lightly beaten
•
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked spaghetti
Directions
1
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until lightly brown. Mix in 2 cloves garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 1/2 the oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer while preparing meatballs.
2
Mix ground round, bread crumbs, remaining oregano, remaining garlic, parsley, eggs, and cheese in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Roll into 1 inch balls, and drop into the sauce. Cook 40 minutes in the sauce, or until internal temperature of meatballs reaches a minimum of 160 degrees F (72 degrees C). Remove bay leaf.
3
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, and stir in the spaghetti. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente; drain. Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti.