Garlic, Cheese, Meatball and Spaghetti with French Bread
This is a flavorful meatball recipe. The gravy is simple and tomato-based. You can use jarred gravy to speed up the process.
This is a flavorful meatball recipe. The gravy is simple and tomato-based. You can use jarred gravy to speed up the process.
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 lb beef (ground )
- 1 lb pork (ground )
- 2 cup parmigiano cheese (='s 1 bag shredded)
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese ( 1 - 1/12 inch cubes)
- 4 tsp garlic (='s 4 thin sliced cloves )
- â¼ cup basil (chopped )
- 4 oz egg (='s 2 eggs beat)
- â½ tbsp salt
- â½ tbsp pepper
- 24 oz tomatoes (='s 6 romas)
- â½ tbsp salt
- 12 oz angel hair pasta
- 16 oz french bread (1 loaf)
- â½ tbsp parsley (chopped )
- Carbohydrate 150.07328749026 g
- Cholesterol 520.554775 mg
- Fat 98.2706453993506 g
- Fiber 9.6348468639493 g
- Protein 132.128044950216 g
- Saturated Fat 44.3488359741342 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (901g)
- Sodium 4643.410325 mg
- Sugar 140.43844062631 g
- Trans Fat 12.8210655002165 g
- Calories 2013 calories
Step-by-step
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1 lb beef (ground), 1 lb pork (ground), 2 cup parmigiano cheese (= 1 bag shredded), 1 lb mozzarella cheese (1 - 1/12 inch cubes), 4 tsp garlic (= 4 thin sliced cloves), ¼ cup basil (chopped), 4 oz egg (= 2 eggs beat), ½ tbsp salt, ½ tbsp pepper, 24 oz tomatoes (= 6 romas), ½ tbsp salt, 12 oz angel hair pasta, 16 oz french bread (1 loaf), ½ tbsp parsley (chopped)
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, basil, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 4 large meatballs.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil and butter. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and salt to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions.
- Serve the meatballs and spaghetti topped with the tomato sauce. Serve with a side of French bread.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
A Weeknight Winner: Garlic, Cheese, Meatball, and Spaghetti with French Bread
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But honestly, sometimes the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This Garlic, Cheese, Meatball, and Spaghetti with French Bread recipe is a perfect example. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that's surprisingly quick and easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. I often adjust it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I’ll use a pre-made meatball mix to save time, or substitute different types of cheese. The basic components remain consistent though – the rich, savory meatballs, the tangy tomato sauce, and the perfectly cooked angel hair pasta. The French bread adds a delightful touch of rustic charm, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
The aroma alone is enough to make your family come running. The garlic infuses the meatballs with a delightful pungent fragrance, while the cheese adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The tomato sauce, simple yet robust, perfectly complements the meatballs without overpowering their delicate flavor profile.
The secret to this recipe's success lies in the quality of the ingredients. I always opt for fresh herbs whenever possible, as they impart a vibrant, aromatic depth that simply can't be replicated with dried alternatives. The fresh basil adds a burst of freshness, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese. For the tomatoes, I prefer using ripe Roma tomatoes, as their sweet flavor and slightly firm texture hold up beautifully during the cooking process.
This dish is also incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs. For a vegetarian twist, simply replace the ground meat with a plant-based meat substitute. Want to make it a lighter meal? You can reduce the amount of cheese or even opt for a whole wheat pasta. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the ease of preparation and adaptability, this dish holds a special place in my heart. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through my family, a testament to simple pleasures and cherished memories. It's the kind of meal that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. There’s something magical about gathering around the table, sharing a meal, and connecting with loved ones. This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it's a conduit for creating lasting memories.
So, the next time you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner that's both quick and easy, give this Garlic, Cheese, Meatball, and Spaghetti with French Bread recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your family begging for seconds. And trust me, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the tomato sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- To make the meatballs ahead of time, prepare them and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook them. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly exceptional dish. It's a testament to the power of good food and the joy of sharing a meal with those you love.
