Everyone loves spaghetti and delicious Italian meals. They are often easy to make and a great hit with adults and kids alike. Here are some of our favorite Italian meals...served with hot garlic bread and a nice glass of wine.
Here's our family favorite:
Spaghetti and Real Meatballs!
By: Stacie (courtesy of my Italian mother-in-law...don't ask! Hi Mom!!!)
Ingredients
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Spaghetti (cooked according to directions on package) |
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2 lbs. ground beef |
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2 chopped onions (one for sauce and one for meatballs) |
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3 cloves garlic (one for sauce and 2 for meatballs) |
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2 cans/packages tomato paste |
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2 cans tomato puree or crushed tomatoes |
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Spices |
Prepare spaghetti according to package directions (make sure not to overcook the spaghetti!).
In a large stockpot (minimum 5 quarts), sauté 1 chopped onion and one clove of garlic (chopped fine). When translucent, add the tomato paste and tomato puree and simmer for at least 30 minutes before adding the meatballs. Stir occasionally.
In a bowl, mix:
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2 lbs. of ground beef |
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1/2 cup bread crumbs |
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4 eggs |
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1/2 tsp. salt |
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pinch of pepper |
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2 cloves of garlic (crushed) |
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one onion (diced) |
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1 cup of frozen spinach (defrosted, chopped). |
Form the meat into balls (approximately 1 inch in diameter).
Pour 3 Tbs. of oil into a frying pan and lightly brown the meatballs. When brown, add to tomato sauce and simmer for at least an hour. Serve over hot spaghetti. This is especially delicious when served with hot garlic bread. Treat yourself to a nice glass of dry red wine, some fine music and dream of what you'll have for dessert.
And speaking of dessert...
How about something light? We typically serve Cantaloupe Delight.
Cantaloupe Delight
By: Annie - I do this all the time - fast and fun and my husband LOVES it.
Cut one cantaloupe into four quarters. Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle of the slice and pour chocolate syrup on top.
Although this is a simple enough recipe, after the spaghetti and meatball combination, this is always a delicious way to end the night.