Best 12 Carols Spaghetti Sauce Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in a hearty and flavorful Italian feast with Carol's Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs, a classic dish that combines savory meatballs nestled in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. This delectable recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors, with tender and juicy meatballs complemented by the robust and aromatic sauce. Additionally, discover variations such as Carol's Easy Spaghetti Sauce, a simplified version of the classic sauce, and Carol's Spaghetti and Meatballs in the Crock Pot, a convenient and hassle-free method for preparing this comforting meal.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS



Spaghetti & Meatballs image

This spaghetti and meatball recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight -- and it's a family favorite, too!

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 (Makes 22 to 24 small meatballs)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large egg
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (plus more for serving)
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup water
1½ pounds ground "meatloaf mix" (approximately equal parts ground beef, pork and veal)
¾ cup dried Italian style bread crumbs (such as Progresso)
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (plus more for serving)
Large jar (32 oz) good quality Marinara sauce (such as Rao's)
1 pound spaghetti

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic and water. Add the meat, breadcrumbs and cheese and mix until just combined (your hands are the best tool). Do not overwork it.
  • Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from oven and use a metal spatula to turn the meatballs (they will stick a bit but should release easily when you scrape under them with the spatula). Put the meatballs back in the oven and cook for another 10 minutes, until they are nicely browned and almost cooked through.
  • In the meantime, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large skillet. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary (I usually add a healthy pinch of sugar and some freshly ground black pepper). Transfer the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce, leaving the fat behind. Cover loosely with a lid or foil and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the flavors marry and the meatballs are cooked through. Keep warm until ready to toss with pasta.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain, then toss with the sauce and meatballs (you may find it easier to toss everything together in the pasta pot rather than the skillet; it depends on the sizes of pans you are using.). Serve topped with fresh basil and more grated cheese.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cooked meatballs can be frozen, in their sauce, for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop until the meatballs are hot in the center.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 731, Fat 29 g, Carbohydrate 78 g, Protein 37 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sugar 11 g, Fiber 6 g, Sodium 897 mg, Cholesterol 116 mg

MEATBALLS WITH SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Meatballs with Spaghetti Sauce image

"A friend gave me the recipe for this traditional favorite. It's her Italian mother-in-law's recipe from the old country, and it tastes wonderful," writes Denise Linnett of Picton, Ontario.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon 2% milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces lean ground beef
2 ounces ground pork
SAUCE:
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) whole tomatoes, quartered
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble beef and pork over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-3/4-in. balls. , Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°; drain., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste, water, parsley, sugar, basil and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. , Add meatballs to sauce; simmer 5 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 544 calories, Fat 24g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 186mg cholesterol, Sodium 1445mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (26g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 37g protein.

CAROL'S SPAGHETTI SAUCE & MEATBALLS



Carol's Spaghetti Sauce & Meatballs image

This was Mom's most requested dinner for special occasions with crowds larger than our regular 8 person family. It was always served with warm garlic bread and a large salad dressed with homemade sweet oil & vinegar dressing. When we were little, Mom's pasta of choice was spaghetti, but she switched to rigatoni in the 1960's...

Provided by Fran Miller

Categories     Pasta

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 21

SAUCE
2 can(s) (large size) tomato juice
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 tsp basil, dried
1/2 tsp oregano, dried
1 bay leaf
12 oz tomato paste
15 oz tomato sauce
hot water (see direction #5)
MEATBALLS
3 lb ground beef, lean
2 eggs
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
salt, optional
44 saltine crackers, crushed
PASTA
up to 3 pounds of pasta (1 pound per ~6 people)
ONE MORE THING
freshly grated parmesan cheese (or some of that stuff in the shaker box)

Steps:

  • 1. Pour both cans of juice into a large pot and place over medium-low heat. Add a tiny amount of water to the cans to get all of the juice out & into the pan. (Mom was raised in The Great Depression and didn't waste any ingredients.)
  • 2. Chop BOTH large onions & all 4 cloves of garlic. Divide in half for sauce & half for meatballs. Add "the sauce half" to the sauce.
  • 3. Measure the spices and add to the sauce. Stir well & add the bay leaf. (Remember to take the bay leaf out later before serving OR make it a game & whoever gets the bay leaf on their plate gets the first dessert!)
  • 4. Simmer, stirring about every 10 minutes, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan. (I set the timer on the microwave so I don't forget to stir.) As the sauce starts to reduce, remember to scrape the insides of the pan to add the thickened tomato residue to the sauce. Simmer for about an hour.
  • 5. Add the tomato paste & tomato sauce, again adding a tiny amount of water to clean out the cans. THEN add one paste can of hot water AND 2 sauce cans of hot water. Stir together well & return to simmer, stirring every 10 minutes.
  • 6. Around this time, put all the meatball ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. The mix needs to be pretty stiff & hold together well, so add more cracker crumbs, if needed. OK, I admit it. I mix this together by hand, as Mom did, but do it any way you prefer.
  • 7. Once the sauce is simmering again, stir well one more time, then start adding the meatballs. Mom made about 50 smallish balls, rolled round, then shaped slightly oblong to cook better. Drop them into the sauce as you make them.
  • 8. Simmer, stirring more frequently (like every 7 minutes), for about 2 more hours, until the meatballs are done and the sauce thickens.
  • 9. In the last hour, put a large pot of water on to boil, then cook the pasta (as directed) when the sauce is just about done.
  • 10. Drain the cooked pasta & place in a large bowl. (Remove the bay leaf from the sauce, if you think of it.) Top with some of the sauce & mix well.
  • 11. Serve with a bowl of meatballs and a bowl of extra sauce. Top with fresh parmesan cheese, if desired. Buon Appetito!
  • 12. Another dinner idea... a Meatball Sub! =^..^=
  • 13. NOTE: If you make less pasta and have extra sauce & meatballs, they freeze well.

HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs image

I have been making this spaghetti recipe, from a dear family friend, for over 25 years. It is by far the best homemade sauce and meatballs we have ever had. I've also just fried the beef and added it to the sauce, then used it to make lasagna.

Provided by Lynn1964

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 3h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 (29 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
19 fluid ounces tomato juice
1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
16 soda crackers, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, onion, parsley, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, thyme, and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, combine beef, crackers, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and thyme in a bowl. Form into large meatballs and place into a broiler pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until browned and no longer pink in the centers, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer meatballs to sauce and continue to simmer, 2 to 2 1/2 hours more.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Serve sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384 calories, Carbohydrate 47.6 g, Cholesterol 85.9 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 23.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 759.2 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

MEATBALL SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Meatball Spaghetti Sauce image

Tasty seasoned meatballs simmered in a flavorful red sauce. For a creamier sauce, substitute milk for the water.

Provided by CRYSTELLE

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup dry bread crumbs
⅔ cup milk
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
2 (10.75 ounce) cans water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • To make meatballs: Combine in a bowl ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, garlic, onions, salt, parsley and pepper; mix well. Roll into 1 inch balls and set aside.
  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat; add meatballs and cook gently so they stay whole and are lightly browned.
  • To make the sauce: Mix together tomato soup, water, lemon juice, salt, parsley, basil, sage, thyme and cayenne pepper in a large saucepan, add meatballs and simmer for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375 calories, Carbohydrate 32.3 g, Cholesterol 78.9 mg, Fat 18.9 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 19.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 1432.9 mg, Sugar 11.4 g

SPAGHETTI WITH MEATBALLS



Spaghetti with Meatballs image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/4 cup milk
2 slice white bread, cut into cubes
1 pound 80 percent lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 egg
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 sticks mozzarella string cheese, cut into small cubes or 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
Nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 medium onion diced
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (16-ounce) box spaghetti

Steps:

  • For Meatballs
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl combine the milk and bread. Let the bread absorb the milk. Add remaining meatball ingredients except the cheese. Using your hands, gently combine all the ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. Take about 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll into a ball and press into a patty. Place a mozzarella cube or 1 tablespoon shredded cheese onto the patty and bring up the sides around the cheese and roll between hands to form a ball. Place onto a nonstick baking sheet or a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Repeat process with remaining meat and cheese. Place the meatballs into the oven and cook for 12 minutes. Remove baking sheet from the oven and set aside.
  • For Sauce:
  • In a medium pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. Gently stir in the meatballs and any pan drippings from baking sheet and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Spaghetti:
  • Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and place the pasta on a large serving platter. Place the meatballs over the spaghetti, pour the sauce on top and serve immediately.

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Spaghetti and Meatballs image

Provided by Emeril Lagasse

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h25m

Yield about 16 large meatballs, serving 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 37

10 cups Simple Tomato Sauce for Pasta, recipe follows, or store-bought pasta sauce
1 large egg
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped yellow onions
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon freshly chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon freshly chopped oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, recipe follows
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente according to package directions
Salt, for seasoning cooking water
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions (1 medium)
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves garlic)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (3-inch piece) Parmesan rind
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Place the Basic Red Sauce in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Place all the remaining meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir well with a wooden spoon to combine, then form the meat into balls by rolling about 2 tablespoons of meat between your hands. Place meatballs on a plate as they are formed. (Hint: if your hands are slightly damp, the meatballs will roll more easily and will not stick to your hands!) When all the meatballs are formed, gently place the balls into the sauce 1 at a time using a long handled spoon. Be careful - bubbling sauce splatters! Simmer the sauce uncovered, and allow the meatballs to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes before stirring. Stir the meatballs into the sauce when they rise to the top.
  • Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • While sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Strain and toss with the olive oil. Keep warm until ready to serve.
  • Heat the olive oil in a 5-quart pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, salt, crushed red pepper, oregano and black pepper, and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl and squeeze to break into small pieces. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and sugar to the pot with the onions, and stir well. Add the Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally with a long-handled wooden spoon, until flavors have come together and sauce is thickened. Stir in the basil and let sit for 10 minutes before using.
  • Remove from the heat, and use as needed. You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

REAL MEATBALLS AND SPAGHETTI



Real Meatballs and Spaghetti image

For homemade Italian comfort, make Ina Garten's Real Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, starring veal, pork and beef.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
1 cup fresh white bread crumbs (4 slices, crusts removed)
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 extra-large egg, beaten
Vegetable oil
Olive oil
1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup good red wine, such as Chianti
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, or plum tomatoes in puree, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
Freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Place the ground meats, both bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, egg, and 3/4 cup warm water in a bowl. Combine very lightly with a fork. Using your hands, lightly form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs. You will have 14 to 16 meatballs.
  • Pour equal amounts of vegetable oil and olive oil into a large (12-inch) skillet to a depth of 1/4-inch. Heat the oil. Very carefully, in batches, place the meatballs in the oil and brown them well on all sides over medium-low heat, turning carefully with a spatula or a fork. This should take about 10 minutes for each batch. Don't crowd the meatballs. Remove the meatballs to a plate covered with paper towels. Discard the oil but don't clean the pan.
  • For the sauce, heat the olive oil in the same pan. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the wine and cook on high heat, scraping up all the brown bits in the pan, until almost all the liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on the lowest heat for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve hot on cooked spaghetti and pass the grated Parmesan.

SPAGHETTI AND CHIPOTLE MEATBALLS



Spaghetti and Chipotle Meatballs image

Zing up your usual pasta and meatballs with this Latin twist on an Italian staple.

Provided by MitchJGray

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds ground beef
1 (7 ounce) can minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or to taste
1 bunch green onions, minced
¼ cup bread crumbs
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, or to taste
1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper, or to taste
1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
1 (15 ounce) can spaghetti sauce
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
  • Mix the ground beef, chipotle peppers with the adobo sauce, green onions, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until evenly mixed. Roll the mixture into balls the size of cherry tomatoes. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  • While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and return to a boil. Cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Pour the spaghetti sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook until hot, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the cooked meatballs and stir to coat. Ladle over the drained spaghetti and top with the grated Parmesan cheese to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 662.1 calories, Carbohydrate 71.8 g, Cholesterol 99 mg, Fat 23.2 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 38.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 1199.3 mg, Sugar 7.6 g

JENN'S OUT OF THIS WORLD SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS



Jenn's Out Of This World Spaghetti and Meatballs image

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.

Provided by JENNGOETZ

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 tablespoons olive oil
¾ cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (16 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
¼ cup chopped fresh oregano, divided
1 dried bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground round
½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook the onion until lightly brown. Mix in 2 cloves garlic, and cook 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.
  • In a bowl, mix the ground round, bread crumbs, remaining oregano, remaining garlic, parsley, eggs, and cheese. 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).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, and stir in the spaghetti. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 571.9 calories, Carbohydrate 80.1 g, Cholesterol 86.6 mg, Fat 17 g, Fiber 7.7 g, Protein 27.7 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 1177.2 mg, Sugar 21.3 g

HEALTHIER ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs image

We added carrot and fresh garlic to this spaghetti sauce, and even made the meatballs healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. We suggest serving over the whole grain pasta of your choice.

Provided by MakeItHealthy

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
¾ cup chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup olive oil
2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 bay leaf
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 basil leaves, torn, plus additional for sprinkling on top

Steps:

  • Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 clove garlic, and beaten egg in a large bowl. Mix well and form into 12 balls. Store covered in refrigerator until needed.
  • Cook and stir onion, 5 cloves garlic, and olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until onions are translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar, and bay leaf. Cover with lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 60 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, basil, and meatballs. Simmer on low heat until meatballs are cooked through, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Cholesterol 81.3 mg, Fat 20.7 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 21.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 1552.1 mg, Sugar 11.3 g

PASTA WITH MEATBALLS AND HERB SAUCE



Pasta With Meatballs and Herb Sauce image

Before you use herbs as a main ingredient - it helps to know which ones work on a grand scale. Parsley, obviously, works in abundance: it's clean-tasting, pleasantly grassy and almost never overwhelming. You can add literally a bunch (bunches!) of it to salad, soup, eggs, pasta, grains or beans. The same is largely true of basil, and you can use other mild herbs - chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, shiso - by at least the handful. (Mint is also useful but will easily take over a dish if you add too much of it. But all of these are great for making herb pastes, or pestos, alone or in combination. Use the same technique you use for basil pesto.)

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, easy, pastas, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups finely chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh chives
1 thin slice white bread
1/4 cup milk
1/2 pound ground sirloin, pork or lamb or a mixture
Salt
black pepper
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound pasta
1 garlic clove
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Steps:

  • Mix together the basil, parsley and chives. Soak the bread in the milk for 5 minutes, then gently squeeze any excess milk from the bread; discard the milk. Combine the bread with the meat, 1 cup of the herbs and some salt and pepper; shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Put 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Cook the pasta in the boiling water until tender but not mushy. While the pasta is cooking, purée 11/2 cups of the herbs with 4 tablespoons oil, the garlic and some salt and pepper in a mini food processor or blender; leave the sauce rough or add a little water if you want it smoother. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of its cooking liquid. Toss the pasta with the herb sauce and most of the remaining herbs, adding the reserved liquid if the mixture seems dry. Top with the meatballs, garnish with Parmesan and the last of the herbs and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 750, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 89 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 28 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 549 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make all the difference in your sauce and meatballs. Look for ripe tomatoes, sweet onions, and garlic, and use a good quality ground beef and pork mixture for the meatballs.
  • Brown the meatballs thoroughly: Browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce helps to develop their flavor and prevent them from falling apart. Make sure they are browned on all sides before adding them to the sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce for a long time: The longer you simmer the sauce, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, or even longer if you have the time.
  • Add a little bit of sugar: A small amount of sugar can help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and add a touch of sweetness to the sauce. Just be sure to add it sparingly, so it doesn't make the sauce too sweet.
  • Serve with your favorite pasta: Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can also use any other type of pasta that you like. Just make sure to cook it al dente, so it still has a little bit of a bite to it.

Conclusion:

Carol's Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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