Spaghetti and Meatballs
Family-friendly restaurant chain, Noodles and Company, shares their popular version of spaghetti and meatballs.
Recipe Ingredients:
Marinara Sauce:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 /4 cup white wine
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper or to taste
1 (32-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
1 (32-ounce) can of tomato sauce
2 dried bay leaves
1 bunch fresh basil, sliced
2 teaspoons crushed dried red chiles, or to taste (optional)
Aged Parmesan or Asiago cheese for sprinkling
Meatballs:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs
3 medium cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons half-and-half (light cream)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Directions:
- For Marinara Sauce: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the salt, pepper and sugar and stir. Add the wine to deglaze. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, then simmer uncovered over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the sauce to taste, adding the crushed dried red chiles if you wish to have some heat.
- For Meatballs: Line a large shallow baking pan with foil and oil lightly.
- Combine all ingredients and shape into meatballs, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Broil the meatballs about 8 inches from the heat source for about 10 minutes. Turn and broil for 10 minutes longer so that the exterior gets seared evenly.
- Put the meatballs in a large saucepan and cover with marinara sauce. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or with your favorite pasta.
- Garnish with fresh shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh sliced basil.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of www.noodles.com; through ARA Content.