Spaghetti and meatballs, with homemade sauce

We had a great holiday weekend, Happy hours, Dinners, and a dinner party hosted at our place for 12.  I also painted a mural for my Granddaughter Chloe, and my Husband helped prepare her room for her.  I was certainly looking forward to a nice relaxing evening tonight. So believe it or not I asked my family what they would like me to cook for them.  Lo and Behold, an easy meal was anticipated. They asked for Spaghetti and meatballs.  What better way to make this a bit more gourmet, I made my own sauce, as well as homemade meatballs of the meal. I also like to use fresh shredded parmesan instead of the mass produced bottled kind.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4-6

12 oz dried spaghetti noodles

1 lb. ground hamburger meat

2 small onions, diced

1/3 cup bread crumbs (I used flavored Italian)

2 eggs, beaten

14 1/2 oz. diced tomatoes

2 tsp. tomato paste

1 1/2 tbsp. dried basil

5 cloves minced garlic, divided

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

Grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling

2 tsp. sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine the meat, onion, bread crumbs, oregano, eggs, and 1/2 the garlic. Once all the ingredients are incorporated form 1 1/2″ balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake the meatballs at 350 for 15 minutes.

While meatballs cook, place a medium stock pot over medium heat and combine the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, basil, sugar, and remaining garlic and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions and combine with the sauce and meatballs. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and serve.

This was a quick meal, and everyone enjoyed it. Serve with a bit of French bread.

Bon appétit