Hearty Italian-Style Meatballs with Spaghetti

Description: Enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional Italian cuisine with these hearty meatballs served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti.

Author: Ashton A.K.A. JustLikeGranny Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Inactive Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

• 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

• Pinch of nutmeg

• Pinch of chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• Salt and white pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 cup minced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup tomato purée

• 1/4 cup red wine

• Water (to rinse out tomato sauce jar)

For Serving:

• Fresh basil leaves

• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Panko bread crumbs, heavy cream, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, parsley, nutmeg, chili flakes, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Form the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant.

4. Gently add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

5. Deglaze the skillet with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half.

6. Add the tomato sauce and tomato purée to the skillet. If the tomato sauce jar isn’t empty, add a splash of water to rinse it out and add it to the skillet. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

7. Carefully place the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Cover and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

8. While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

9. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, serve them over a bed of cooked spaghetti noodles. Spoon some sauce over the top and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves.

Nutritional Information (Approximate values per serving):

Calories: 650 Total Fat: 28g Saturated Fat: 12g Cholesterol: 185mg Sodium: 1150mg Total Carbohydrates: 61g Dietary Fiber: 5g Sugars: 10g Protein: 36g

Notes to Make it Better:

• For enhanced flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats such as pork and veal along with the ground beef.

• Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.

• For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the tomato sauce while it simmers.

• Accompany the meal with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

Enjoy the heartiness of these Italian-style meatballs with a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti!

***Nutritional Values can change due to your serving sizes, products/brands used.