Veal Meatballs with Spaghetti

Ingredients

Meatballs:

1 lb organic/hormone free ground veal

1/2 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Tomato sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

28 oz can organic crushed plum tomatoes

2 tbsp organic tomato paste

11/2 tsp dried basil (2 tbsp of fresh basil)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar

pinch red pepper flakes

3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup Parmesan and Romano cheese, grated

8 oz spaghetti pasta

1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Meatballs:

Pre-heat oven to 375°F.

In a medium bowl, add and combine ground veal, onion, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika and parsley until it’s thoroughly mixed.

Shape the meat balls to size of golf balls, and place on a lightly greased cooking sheet.

Bake for about 20 minutes,or until the meat is no longer pink in the centre.

The outer surface on the meatballs should be a little crispy.

Tomato sauce:

Heat oil in a skillet, add onion and sauté for about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper and pepper flakes. Simmer for 1 hour, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavours to blend.

Add the cooked meat balls and cook for another 15-20 minutes.

Before serving, add parsley and check the flavour. Adjust the seasoning at this time if needed.

While the sauce is simmering, bring a medium sauce pot of water to a boil, add ½ tsp of salt then add the pasta. Cook until al dente and drain.

Garnish with Parmesan and Romano cheese.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground veal with ground beef, pork, or a combination of meats based on your preference.

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze them.

Thaw before baking or reheating.

Is there a substitute for fresh parsley?

Yes, you can use dried parsley, but adjust the quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch?

Certainly, you can use a good-quality store-bought tomato sauce if you’re short on time.

What’s the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?

Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even oats as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.

How do I know when the meatballs are done baking?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or are no longer pink in the center.

Can I make the sauce less spicy?

Certainly, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta variety you like.

Adjust cooking time based on the type of pasta.

Can I skip the cheese garnish?

Certainly, you can omit the Parmesan and Romano cheese if you want to reduce dairy or prefer a different flavor.