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Italian Spaghetti with Meatballs

Italian Spaghetti with Meatballs

The ultimate comfort food, Italian Spaghetti with Meatballs offers a rich blend of flavors that is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Enjoy the tender meatballs and al dente spaghetti, all coated in a savory tomato sauce. This classic dish will satisfy your cravings and make every meal a celebration!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground lean beef
  • 1 slice ciabatta bread
  • Milk
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small minced white onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 egg egg
  • 2 tablespoon finely chopped basil
  • 1 ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 cans peeled tomatoes
  • a bunch of basil leaves
  • 1 bay leaf bay leaf
  • 1 clove garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Grater
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Peeler
  • Frying Pan
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. For the meatballs, take the ciabatta roll and cut it in small cubes. Put in a bowl, cover it with milk and let soak for a while.
  2. In a large bowl mix all the remaining ingredients beside the olive oil.
  3. Grab the bread and squeeze it to release most of the milk. Then add it to the bowl and mix all together until all ingredients are combined.
  4. Form the meatballs. Use around 2 oz of meat. Put the meat in the palm of my hand, make it round and then press it to make it a bit flat.
  5. Take a very large frying pan. Add the olive oil and get it screaming hot. Add the meatballs and don’t touch them for at least 3 minutes. You want a nice crust before turning them otherwise they’ll fall apart.
  6. Turn them on the other side and let cook for 3 minutes. Use the juice that is coming out from the meat to baste the meatballs When you have seared both sides, turn the heat off. They will continue to cook with the sauce.
  7. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce: heat a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of oil and garlic.
  8. Gently stir-fry the garlic until golden then discard, reduce the heat and add chopped tomatoes and a couple of basil leaves. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar, and cook for about 10-15 mins.
  9. Half-way through cooking time, add the meatballs and finish to cook all the ingredients together.
  10. In the meantime cook the spaghetti in a pot of lightly salted boiling water, for about 8 mins or al dente, according to pasta type.
  11. Drain the pasta and toss into the pan with the meatballs sauce. Stir all together, grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Extra tips or suggestions here.