MY BEST SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS

My Best Spaghetti & Meatballs image

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the Old Spaghetti Factory with my family and ordering a big plate of cheesy spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread. My homemade recipe reminds me of those fun times and satisfies everyone's craving for good Italian food. -Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 27

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Ingredients

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons minced fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal or additional ground beef
2 tablespoons canola oil
SAUCE:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
3/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
Hot cooked spaghetti
Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Add beef, pork and veal; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches; drain., In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until paste darkens. Add wine; cook and stir 2 minutes to dissolve any browned tomato paste. , Stir in tomatoes, parsley, sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add basil and meatballs; cook 20-25 minutes longer or until meatballs are cooked through, stirring occasionally. Serve meatballs and sauce with spaghetti. Sprinkle with additional cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 974mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.