Quick & Simple Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs

Bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen with this homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs.

Bursting with rich flavors and tender meatballs, this classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and hearty meal.

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Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it combines the savory goodness of a simmered tomato sauce with the irresistible allure of homemade meatballs, making it a go-to favorite for any pasta lover.

Enjoy a taste of tradition with every bite!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 beaten egg

For the Sauce:

• ¾ cup chopped onion
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

• In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, dried parsley, grated Parmesan, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and beaten egg.
• Combine well, then shape the mixture into 12 meatballs.
• Cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

Step 2: Cook the Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

• Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes, salt, sugar, and bay leaf.
• Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 90 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

• Add the tomato paste, dried basil, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and the prepared meatballs to the saucepan.
• Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve your delicious spaghetti sauce with meatballs hot over your favorite pasta, and enjoy a hearty, homemade Italian meal!

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them in the sauce.

How can I make this sauce a bit spicier?

To add some heat, you can incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce. Adjust to your taste preference.