Spaghetti And Meatball Dinner Recipe

If you are looking to prepare a simple meal that the family will enjoy and does not take too much of your time then this spaghetti and meatball dinner may just be on tonight's menu.

Ingredients

Marinara Sauce:
2 Tablespoons butter
1 medium size onion, diced into small pieces
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves, pressed
1 (14 ounce)can diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano)
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
salt, to taste

Meatballs
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1 1/2 pounds ground lean beef
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Spaghetti & fresh parsley for garnish if desired

Directions

Marinara Sauce:

Using a deep skillet, heat the butter.

Add the diced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes to caramelize the onions. Stir as needed to prevent burning.

Add the olive oil and the pressed garlic and cook for one minute.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, sugar, pepper and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes. Do a taste test and add salt as needed. Shut off and set aside.

Spaghetti:

Cook the spaghetti while you are cooking the meatballs to el dente.

Meatballs:

To make the breadcrumbs, toast 2 slices of bread. Cool the bread then place into a food processor or blender. Pulse to make fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl.

Add the beef, parmesan cheese, egg, milk, water, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder to the bowl.

Stir with a wooden spoon to combine, then use your hands to gently squeeze the mixture together.

Form 2 inch meatballs with your hands.

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan to coat. When the oil is hot, gently place the meatballs into the pan and fry for about 15 minutes. Gently turn the balls every minute or two to avoid burning and obtain even cooking. You don't want to break up the meatballs so be careful when you turn them.

When the meatballs are done, (no longer pink inside and reach a temperature of 145F. in the middle of using a meat thermometer) add the marinara sauce. Bring to a boil, then shut off. Serve right away over the cooked spaghetti.

Garnish with bright beautiful parsley if you have it and enjoy!