Tony's Backyard Bistro Spaghetti Bliss
Inspired by a heartwarming moment under the stars, this classic spaghetti and meatballs dish brings comfort and a touch of romance to your table. Rich, slow-simmered sauce clings perfectly to al dente pasta, while tender, flavorful meatballs steal the show. Perfect for sharing with a loved one, or simply enjoying a taste of a timeless culinary tradition.
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until just mixed. Do not overmix.
- 2
Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
- 4
Reduce heat to medium. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar (if using) to the pot. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 5
Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
- 6
About 15 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- 7
Drain the pasta and divide it among serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of sauce and several meatballs over the pasta.
- 8
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a truly memorable meal.