Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

    – In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

    – Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

    – Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

    – Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.

    – Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

    – Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. (They don’t have to be fully cooked through as they will finish cooking in the sauce.)

    – Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

    – In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

    – Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

    – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

    – Bring the sauce to a simmer and add the browned meatballs back into the skillet.

    – Cover and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 20 minutes, until they are cooked through.

4. Cook the Spaghetti:

    – While the meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

    – Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

    – Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

5. Combine and Serve:

    – Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.

    – Serve the spaghetti and meatballs in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves.