SPAGHETTI W/MEATBALLS FOR A CROWD

Spaghetti w/Meatballs for a Crowd image

My family is crazy for this spaghetti with meatballs and even though it takes a little time, it's well worth it! :) Half of it gives the 4 of us two day's worth. Yummmmmmm!!! It makes approximately 79-80 medium sized meatballs and can feed 16 people with about 5 meatballs per person. I freeze half of it (without pasta) and is...

Provided by Lolita Slafter

Time 4h

Number Of Ingredients 28

Ingredients

SPAGHETTI SAUCE
4-5 dash(es) olive oil
2 medium onions
6-7 clove garlic (minced)
6) 8 oz. can(s) tomato sauce
6) 8 oz. can(s) water
3) 12oz. can(s) tomato paste
6 tsp oregano, dried
4 1/2 tsp basil, dried
3 tsp marjoram, dried
1 1/2 tsp rosemary, dried
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper (or to taste)
2 Tbsp sugar (rounded)
3-4 bay leaves
MEATBALLS
3 lb lean ground chuck
1 lb ground pork
2 c bread crumbs
1 c milk
1/2 c onion (finely chopped)
4 tsp salt
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp fennel seed (crushed)
2 pinch italian seasoning (rubbed)
2 pinch basil, dried (rubbed)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional or to taste)
4 eggs

Steps:

1. For Sauce: Heat olive oil in large dutch oven (8 qt.) or a stock pot if you don't have at least an 8 qt. dutch oven and add onions. Cook on medium/low till getting translucent; add garlic and cook for 3-4 more minutes. Note: Be careful cooking onions and garlic in a stock pot for it might stick too easy. I have a gas stove.
2. Add all the canned tomato products, water and spices. Stir well and bring to low boil. Turn down heat medium low or low; cover and simmer (make sure it's simmering) while you mix meat.
3. For Meatballs: Combine pork and beef together first and add other ingredients. Mix well and shape into scant golf ball size meatballs.
4. Unless you really have an issue about calories, "DO NOT BROWN" the meatballs first. Yes you heard right!!! I start dropping them in the sauce side by side starting around the outer edge, working my way in. Gently put them all in. Cover and take your pot by the handles and gently swish the pot from side to side to settle them all down in the sauce. Be careful that the heat isn't much more than low or they'll stick. Swish from side to side about 3 more times in the span of about 10-15 minutes. This should be enough time to set the meatballs so they won't get messed up when you transfer them to a big roaster pan with a cover.
5. Cook them in a 350* oven for 1 1/2 hours, stirring twice. Half of the amount of this and 1 pound of cooked pasta will easily fill 8 people a good size serving.
6. Add your salad and garlic bread and you have a meal fit for a King!!! :) Note: If you plan on serving this for company, I would make a day in advance and plan on hanging out in the kitchen for awhile. It's so worth it to take your time with this and have fabulous meals on other day's without all of the time and hard work.
7. I hope you love this as much as my family and I do!!! Always, Lita :}