Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs (about 2 slices white bread)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 1/2 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated, for serving

Before you start

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Directions

1. Soak 5 min: fresh bread crumbs (about 2 slices white bread), milk.
2. Mix lightly, roll into 1 1/2-in balls: step 1, ground beef (85% lean), egg, Parmesan, garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper.
3. Brown on all sides in batches, 8 to 10 min: step 2, olive oil.
4. Sauté until soft, 5 min: olive oil, onion, garlic.
5. Simmer 10 min: step 4, crushed tomatoes, salt, fresh basil.
6. Add meatballs, simmer covered 20 min, until they reach 160°F: step 5, step 3.
7. Boil until al dente, 9 to 11 min; drain: spaghetti.
8. Toss pasta with some sauce, top with meatballs, more sauce and cheese: step 6, step 7, Parmesan.