spaghetti and meatballs
Sunday night dinner
Red Sauce
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, sliced
¾ pound lean ground beef
½ Cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 can crushed tomatoes
½ cup red wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 ½ teaspoons garlic
3 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon fennel seed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Italian American Meatball
Ingredients for the Meatballs
1large egg
¼cup finely grated Pecorino Romano, plus extra for serving
¼cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
½pound ground beef
½pound ground pork
½pound ground spicey pork
¼cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Spaghetti and meatballs is a staple comfort dish beloved in many households, especially for a cozy Sunday night dinner. The key to a truly memorable version lies in the homemade red sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs. This recipe includes a blend of sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef for the sauce, simmered with crushed tomatoes, red wine, and a carefully selected mix of Italian seasonings like garlic, fennel seed, and lemon juice that add depth and brightness. When preparing the meatballs, combining ground beef, pork, and spicy pork allows for a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The addition of finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, fresh parsley, and garlic further enhances the savory profile. Using a large egg helps bind the mixture, ensuring tender and juicy meatballs. Drizzling olive oil during cooking helps achieve a golden crust while keeping the meatballs moist inside. For enhanced authenticity, freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley not only adds hint of herbal freshness but contributes to the appealing presentation when sprinkled over the finished dish. Serving this classic Italian-American meal with a generous portion of spaghetti creates a hearty, crowd-pleasing plate. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and perhaps a glass of red wine to complement the sauce’s rich flavors. Leftovers reheat well and often taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or trying this recipe for the first time, the combination of homemade red sauce and artisanal meatballs can turn any weeknight into a special occasion.
