Welcome to a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to Southern Italy! The Glausi Family Southern Italian Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs is not just a recipe; it's a heartfelt tradition that promises to warm your soul and impress your dinner guests. Imagine succulent meatballs simmering in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, all served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Ready to dive into a plate of authentic Italian comfort? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 500g ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and beaten eggs.
- Gently mix the ingredients by hand, being careful not to overwork the meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the meat mixture into uniform-sized meatballs, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil.
- Carefully brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. This should take about 6-8 minutes per batch. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onions. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully return the browned meatballs to the tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for approximately 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- When ready to serve, garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot over cooked spaghetti, ensuring each plate receives both sauce and meatballs.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best flavor and texture, opt for a mix of high-quality ground beef and pork. The combination adds richness to the meatballs that you won’t want to miss!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat and other ingredients, mix gently to keep the meatballs tender. Overworking the mixture can lead to tough meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Aim for meatballs that are about 2 inches in diameter. This ensures even cooking and helps them hold their shape in the sauce.
- Browning is Key: Take your time to brown the meatballs well in the skillet. This step adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Allow the meatballs to simmer gently in the sauce for at least 45-50 minutes. This not only infuses the sauce with flavor but also ensures the meatballs are juicy and tender.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can make a world of difference in flavor.
- Serve with Love: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese just before serving for that restaurant-quality finish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 160mg
