Saturday, August 9, 2008

Spaghetti and Meatballs


From: Lizzy (Cody's Cousin)

One of the main reasons that I like this recipe so much is that everyone in my family loves it. Another reason this recipe is so great is it freezes really well. Any recipe that I can cook once and get two dinners out of is a winner in my book! This recipe will make more than enough for one dinner so you can freeze the remaining sauce in a Ziploc bag for another time. The best way to freeze the meatballs is to freeze them right after they have been pan fried. Place the meatballs in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place in freezer. After a couple of hours in the freezer place meatballs in a ziploc bag for longer storage. Defrost meatballs and sauce in refrigerator before cooking. Combine sauce and meatballs in saucepan and cook for 5 hours, covered. I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as our family does!

Meatballs:
1 lb. ground beef (80% works best)
1 egg
1/3 c. seasoned bread crumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
parmesan cheese

Sauce:
1 29 oz. can diced or crushed tomatoes
1 29 oz. can tomato sauce
1 12 oz. can tomato paste
1 1/2 c. water
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dries oregano
1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients for meatballs and form into small balls. In a large skillet heat 2 TBSP. olive oil on med high heat. Fry meatballs until golden brown, turning so each side is cooked. Remember the meatballs do not need to be cooked all the way through just golden brown on each side. Combine all ingredients for the sauce in a large pot. Bring to a low boil, add meatballs, turn to low and cook 5 hours covered.

1 comment:

Chelsea and Cody said...

This sounds so yummy, and a little different than just the normal spaghetti and meatballs. This will be a go-to recipe for me, I am sure!