Spaghetti & Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• ½ onion
• 3 clove garlic
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, Parmesan, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then form into 12-16 meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
5. While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Serve meatballs and sauce over hot spaghetti, garnished with extra fresh parsley or Parmesan if desired.