🍝❤️ Mama Nae Nae’s Italian Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons milk

Sauce

• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl combine:

• ground beef
• breadcrumbs
• eggs
• Parmesan
• onion
• garlic
• parsley
• Italian seasoning
• salt
• pepper
• milk

Mix gently.

Form into approximately:
16–18 meatballs

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown meatballs:
2–3 minutes per side

Do not cook completely through.

Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large pot heat olive oil.

Cook onions:
4 minutes

Add garlic:
1 minute

Add:

• crushed tomatoes
• tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• sugar
• salt
• pepper

Simmer:
15 minutes

Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs

Add browned meatballs to the sauce.

Cover and simmer:

45 minutes

Until tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti according to package directions.

Drain.

Step 6: Serve

Top spaghetti with:

• meatballs
• sauce
• Parmesan cheese
• parsley

Serve hot.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

1 Hour

Total Time

1 Hour 20 Minutes

Servings

6–8

Just like Grandma used to make! Tender homemade meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and a plate full of comfort. 😍🍝❤️”