The sweet smells of cooking brings back memories that have been traveled through the years. These aromas seep into ones memory bank and the result is profound. They conjure a simpler time…suddenly you are there. Sometimes it is so powerful that you cannot speak. You are welling with tears inside for a time that has passed; yet a time that has brought so much love; love that was so strong and embedded it is carrying you through life.
Ingredients:
1 lbs. ground beef
¼ cup milk
2 eggs
For the Bread Crumbs:
Left over Italian bread – processed to equal 2 ½ cups
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 inch piece of Romano or Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
¼ cup of fresh basil
3 cloves garlic
1 tbs. olive oil
Cube the bread and place in a food processor with the cheese, garlic, seasonings, fresh basil and olive oil and process.
Place the ground beef in a large bowl; beat the eggs with the milk and add to the meat. Add the bread crumbs and mix well.
Form into desired size meat balls.
Preheat Oven 350 degrees:
Place in a baking pan and bake approximately 25 to 30 minutes, depending on how large you make the meatballs.
For the Sauce:
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
3 cloves of garlic – chopped
½ sweet onion – sliced
½ cup fresh basil - ripped
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
Pinch of sugar
2 tablespoons of wine
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Your favorite spaghetti
Heat a large frying pan with the olive oil. Add the garlic and onions and sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are slightly transparent.
Add the crushed tomatoes, basil and the seasonings. Simmer on low.
Add the wine and simmer on low.
When the meatballs are done add to the sauce and continue to simmer on low while preparing your spaghetti.
Plate the spaghetti with a drizzle of olive oil, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, grated cheese; toss then top with the sauce and meatballs and more grated cheese.
Enjoy with Love,
Catherine
1
Salsa Verde says
Dear Catherine,
What a gorgeous, delicious and great looking plate of food you left us today.
I must confess that my mouth is watering just by looking at it!!
Cheers,
Lia.
Sandee says
Oh this is one I'd really like to eat. Yummy. You know how I love all things pasta.
Have a terrific day. Big hugs. ☺
Rose says
Such a classic! It's great to use fresh basil for this type of recipe during the summer.
Mae Travels says
Meatballs are such a wonderful invention! Those look delicious. Would love them on a meatball sandwich with melted mozzarella too.
Last night I made my meatballs from ground turkey (on sale at Whole Foods! -- recipe quite similar to yours but with finely chopped onion, celery and carrot, no cheese) ... served with wild rice, carmelized onions, and dried cherries. Other times I use sweet-sour tomato sauce. Other times Italian sauce like yours. Or with Asian flavors. So adaptable!
David says
Catherine, This is one of my all time favorite meals! I love a good meatball with spicy tomato/marinara sauce and pasta. I avoid spaghetti noodles because I tend to 'wear' the sauce when I eat them... I go with the smaller, 'neater' noodles. Thanks for the recipe! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Loretta Thomas says
What a gorgeous feast!! The meat balls are rolled to perfection and the sauce looks magnificent! Oh Dear Catherine, you are a wonderful and creative chef!!! Hugs to you and your family...Loretta
Chatty Crone says
You and I must like the same kinds of food. What a spread - now everyone in my family would love this. Have a good weekend. sandie
Mr. & Mrs. P says
We love it when food brings back memories, especially the smells. We are sure this dish makes the whole house smell amazing! Best part is, you are creating new memories as you cook in the present.
Zainab Mansaray says
OOOOOO!! Catherine this is a well loved meal!! I love a great meatball and sauce. Thanks for sharing your recipe 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I could write comfort food all in caps to show how much I'd enjoy this. 🙂
Rose says
This is my most favorite aroma in my house. I'm Italian (I'm sure you noticed the map of Italy on my face) LOL
We call it gravy and others call it sauce. I sip on a glass of wine while making my gravy and meatballs. Your ingredients are very similar to mine. My family is from Abruzzi.
Have a great day!
Angie Schneider says
Looks super duper delicious! Meatballs and tomato sauce over pasta...simply yum!
Miz Helen says
We are going to just love your Meatballs, they look awesome! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a good week!
Miz Helen
Liz Berg says
This is the epitome of comfort food!! I can't wait till the weather breaks and I can try your recipe. Thanks, Catherine!
Theresa says
Looks so yummy! Visiting from @DearCreatives found you via a hop. Drop by sometime if you like.