Catering: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs or spaghetti with meatballs is an Italian-American dish consisting of spaghetti, tomato sauce and meatballs.

Ingredients

1 lb. spaghetti

1 lb. ground beef

1/3 c. bread crumbs

1/4 c. finely chopped parsley

1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

1 egg

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 c. onion, finely chopped

1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes

1 bay leaf

Freshly ground black pepper

Method

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain.
• In a large bowl, combine beef with bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, egg, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined then form into 16 balls.
• In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a plate.
• Add onion to pot and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to pot and cover. Simmer until sauce has thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Serve pasta with a healthy scoop of meatballs and sauce. Top with Parmesan before serving.