Frankie's Meatballs Pasta Sauce
Transform your pasta nights into a culinary masterpiece with Frankie's Meatballs Pasta Sauce, a hearty and flavorful recipe perfect for comfort food lovers. This dish combines tender, homemade meatballs crafted from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, and enriched with parmesan cheese. Simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of broth, these meatballs are bursting with Italian-inspired flavor. The addition of sautéed onions and garlic enhances the sauce, creating a bold and aromatic base that pairs beautifully with spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're craving a classic weeknight meal or hosting guests, Frankie's Meatballs Pasta Sauce is guaranteed to impress!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 0.5 lb ground pork
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, egg, 1 minced garlic clove, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 2
Using your hands or a scoop, roll the meat mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and set aside on a tray or plate.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until they are browned on all sides (they do not need to be fully cooked through). Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken (or beef) broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 6
Carefully return the meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are submerged. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti or pasta of your choice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water if desired to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 8
Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and additional grated parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2495.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3209.2 |
| Total Fat 167.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 57.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g | |
| Cholesterol 748.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7168.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 251.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 27.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 49.1g | |
| Protein 198.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 81.9IU | 0% |
| Calcium 708.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 27.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 4685.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories