I experienced my first Italian cuisine while visiting my friend Lisa, a first generation Italian. Her mom made spaghetti with meatballs and from that moment on, pasta remains to be one of my favorite go to meals and continues to remind me of my love for food. These meatballs are full of fresh herbs from my herb garden and the homemade sauce is a one pot wonder. The recipe is simple enough for any day of the week and you can serve the sauce mixed with the spaghetti or on top either way, it’s delicious. Be sure to add this recipe to your quick meal list for a little taste of Italy.

Enjoy,

MJ

Ingredients:

Meatballs

1/2 lb. ground sirloin

1/2 lb. Italian sausage

1/2 tsp. chopped thyme

1 tsp. chopped tarragon

1/2 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. chopped basil

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. paprika

Sauce:

1  6oz. can tomato paste

1  28oz. can crushed tomatoes

1  14.5oz. can diced tomatoes

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large onion chopped

4 cloves garlic minced

1/2 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. chopped basil- plus extra basil for garnish

4  tbs. Olive oil

1 cup of chicken broth

Pasta:

1 lb. thin spaghetti

Directions: In a medium bowl mix all ingredients.  Form meatballs and place in a shallow dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until brown.  Do not overcook. In a large deep skillet add olive oil and heat on medium high. Add onions. Sauté until onions are translucent. Add garlic, sauté for 1 minute. Add remain#spaghetti#meatballs#mjonesstyle#spaghetti#meatballs#mjonesstyle#spaghetti#meatballs#mjonesstyle#spaghetti#meatballs#mjonesstyle#spachetti#meatballs#mjonesstyle#spachetti#meatballs#mjonesstyleing ingredients, mix well, lower heat, cover and simmer stirring occasionally for 1 hour. Add meat balls and a little bit of the juice from the balls to the sauce mixture. Stir and simmer for 30 minutes. Taste sauce to make sure seasoned well with salt and pepper. Add spaghetti to boiling water that has been seasoned with salt. Cook until tender. Do not overcook pasta.  Drain pasta. Do not rinse. Place in a large bowl and cover with sauce or mix pasta in with sauce. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. Serve with garlic bread and a garden salad.

 

 


signature