CLASSIC SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS FOR A CROWD COOK'S ILLUSTRATED. SERVES 12. RECIPE

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Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs for a Crowd Cook's Illustrated. Serves 12. Recipe image

Provided by á-248

Number Of Ingredients 27

Meatballs
2 1/4 cups (about 6 ounces) panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (see note)
3 large eggs , lightly beaten
2 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto , chopped fine
3 ounces Parmesan cheese , grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
6 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
3 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)
1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin , dissolved in 3 tablespoons cold water
Table salt and ground black pepper
Sauce
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups grated onion from 1 to 2 onions (see note)
6 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 cups tomato juice (bottled)
3 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
6 tablespoons dry white wine
Table salt and ground black pepper
3 pounds spaghetti
1/2 cup minced fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
Granulated sugar
Parmesan cheese , grated, for serving

Steps:

  • 1. FOR THE MEATBALLS: Place wire racks in 2 foil-lined rimmed baking sheets. Adjust oven racks to lower-middle and upper-middle positions and heat oven to 450 degrees. Combine bread crumbs and buttermilk in large bowl and let sit, mashing occasionally with fork, until smooth paste forms, about 10 minutes. 2. Add eggs, beef, pork, prosciutto, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, gelatin mixture, 11/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to bread-crumb mixture. Using hands, gently mix until thoroughly combined. Lightly form about ¼ cup mixture into 2-inch round meatball (about 2 ounces); repeat with remaining mixture to form approximately 40 meatballs. 3. Spray wire racks with nonstick cooking spray and place meatballs, evenly spaced, on racks; roast until browned, about 30 minutes, rotating trays from front to back and top to bottom halfway through. 4. FOR THE SAUCE: While meatballs roast, heat olive oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden around edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato juice, crushed tomatoes, wine, 1½ teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. 5. Remove meatballs from oven and lower oven temperature to 300 degrees. Gently add meatballs to sauce, cover pot, and place in oven. Cook until meatballs are firm and sauce has thickened, about 1 hour. 6. Meanwhile, bring 10 quarts water to boil in 12-quart pot. Add pasta and 2 tablespoons salt to boiling water; cook until al dente. Drain pasta and return it to cooking pot. 7. TO SERVE: Stir basil and parsley into sauce and adjust seasoning with sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss pasta with 1½ cups sauce until lightly coated. Serve pasta, passing meatballs, remaining sauce, and grated Parmesan separately.

Kitty LeStrange
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This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a family favorite. The meatballs are always a hit, and the sauce is so flavorful. I love that this recipe is also relatively easy to make, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal.


Rifat Bin nor
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I'm not usually a fan of spaghetti and meatballs, but this recipe changed my mind! The meatballs were so tender and juicy, and the sauce was perfectly seasoned. I'll definitely be making this recipe again.


ShahZain Ayaz
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Spaghetti and meatballs is one of my favorite comfort foods, and this recipe didn't disappoint! The meatballs were so flavorful and tender, and the sauce was rich and delicious. I will definitely be making this recipe again.


Maseed Khalil
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This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a winner! The meatballs are perfectly seasoned, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. I love that this recipe is also relatively easy to make, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal.


Aamino Shiikh nuur
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I was really impressed with this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. The meatballs were so moist and tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. I also love that this recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that I always have on hand.


Sheikh humayun
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This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a keeper! The meatballs are perfectly seasoned and so tender, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. I love that this recipe is also relatively easy to make, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal.


Aaditya Roy
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I've made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe several times now, and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The meatballs are so tender and juicy, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves spaghett


Threedee Buisness
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This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a family favorite. The meatballs are always a hit, and the sauce is so flavorful. I love that this recipe is also relatively easy to make, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal.


Aashish don
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I'm not usually a fan of spaghetti and meatballs, but this recipe changed my mind! The meatballs were so tender and juicy, and the sauce was perfectly seasoned. I'll definitely be making this recipe again.


Lebi Frank
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Spaghetti and meatballs is one of my favorite comfort foods, and this recipe didn't disappoint! The meatballs were so flavorful and tender, and the sauce was rich and delicious. I will definitely be making this recipe again.


Stephanie Bell
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This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a winner! The meatballs are perfectly seasoned, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. I love that this recipe is also relatively easy to make, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal.


Sharifu Bin Ali
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I was really impressed with this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. The meatballs were so moist and tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. I also love that this recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that I always have on hand.


Master Hacker
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This is the best spaghetti and meatballs recipe I've ever tried! The meatballs are so tender and flavorful, and the sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I will definitely be making this recipe again and again.


Courtney Moffatt
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I've been making this spaghetti and meatballs recipe for years, and it never disappoints. The meatballs are always juicy and flavorful, and the sauce is always rich and delicious. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves spaghetti and meatb


tumbudzuku prince
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This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a keeper! The meatballs are packed with flavor, and the sauce is rich and hearty. I love that this recipe is also relatively easy to make, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal.


tammy aranda
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I made this recipe for my family last night, and they loved it! The meatballs were so moist and tender, and the sauce was perfectly seasoned. I'm definitely adding this recipe to my regular rotation.


Tikas Amars
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This is my go-to recipe for spaghetti and meatballs. It's always a crowd-pleaser, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. I love that this recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that I always have on hand.


Qaimdin Dars
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I was a bit hesitant to try this recipe because I'm not a huge fan of spaghetti and meatballs. But I'm so glad I did! The meatballs were incredibly flavorful, and the sauce was rich and savory. I'll definitely be making this dish again.


Mar Iam
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I've made this recipe several times now, and it always turns out perfectly. The meatballs are so tender and flavorful, and the sauce is the perfect consistency. I love that this recipe makes a large batch, so I can freeze leftovers for a quick and ea


Karabo Mokobo
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This spaghetti and meatballs recipe was a hit at my last dinner party! The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and delicious. I received rave reviews from my guests, and I'm sure I'll be making this dish again soon.


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