Ingredients
1lb of lean ground beef, or ground turkey and chicken can be used
1 clove of garlic chopped *
½ teaspoon of salt
Pinch of pepper
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, Romano can also be used.
½ - ¾ cup of fresh breadcrumbs
1 beaten egg
About 12 sprigs of washed flat leaf Italian parsley chopped. *
1 pack of spaghetti [ 16oz ] or pasta of your choice.
In a large mixing bowl combine all of the above ingredients. Using clean hands mix it all together, until it is bound together. If it is still very slimy add more breadcrumbs. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop the meat into the palm of your hand and make meatballs. You can put flour on your hands first, if the meat is still very sticky. Wash hands, and all other surfaces that have come into contact with raw meat. * Heat a dutch oven on the stovetop. You do not need any oil. * After about 30 seconds using tongs, put the meatballs gently into the pan. Set the timer for 10 mins and simmer on low heat.* Turn the meatballs occasionally so that they cook evenly on all sides.
1 can of tomatoes [ 28oz ] either chopped or whole *
1 can of tomato sauce 16 oz
1 clove of garlic chopped finely *
2 Tbsp of sugar
2 Tbsp of chopped fresh basil * or 1 tsp of dried
2 Tbsp of chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp of dried
Pinch of salt and pepper
Carefully open the tomatoes and tomato sauce *
Put all the above ingredients into a large mixing bowl. with clean hands mix together, breaking up the tomatoes with your fingers. Its messy but fun.
When the meatballs are cooked remove them from the saucepan, and put on a plate. If there is a lot of oil in the pan drain the meatballs into a colander and put to one side * Using the same pan that the meatballs were cooked in, place the sauce in it and bring to a boil. * stir occasionally. Set the timer for 20 minutes and simmer the sauce. Taste for seasoning before serving.
While the sauce is simmering place the pasta in boiling water [ 5 quarts ]*
It is easier to break the pasta in half as you place it in the water * Boil for about 10 – 15 minutes depending on how soft you like the pasta.
While the pasta is boiling return the meatballs to the saucepan that the tomato sauce is cooking in, and simmer both the meatballs and sauce until the pasta is cooked *
When the pasta is cooked get an adult to strain it into a colander and place the pasta in a large serving dish.* Pour the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti* and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
This recipe can also be used for Meatball sandwiches. Place meatballs in a warm bun, or garlic bread and cover with provolone, Mozzarella, or grated parmesan cheese. You could also make a Meatball Pizza. Just add sauce and meatballs onto pizza crust, and sprinkle with the cheese of your choice. Bake in oven 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes *
All of these recipes are delicious with a green salad and vinaigrette dressing
* This means adult supervision is required.