On top of spaghetti...

On top of spaghetti,

All covered in cheese.

I lost my poor meatball,

when somebody sneezed.

It rolled off the table,

And onto the floor.

And then my poor meatball,

Rolled right out the door.

Yes, there are more verses in the song...I don't remember what happens to the poor meatball after it rolls out the door. I think it ends up turning into a meatball tree? Whatever! What I do know is that meatballs don't actually grow on trees...I wish they did. I love spaghetti with meatballs, but I have never had much success making them. In the past I have ended up with burnt meatballs or meatballs that have fallen apart and turned into meat sauce. It was time to give it another try because, as I said, meatballs do not grow on trees.

Spaghetti with mighty meatballs
(adapted from Martha Stewart)

1 lb lean ground beef
¼ cup parsley, chopped
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoon olive oil
1 can crushed tomatoes
½ cup onion, diced
1 clove garlic
2 teaspoon parsley, chopped
2 teaspoon dried thyme
¾ lb spaghetti

1. In a large bowl, combine parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.

2. Add beef and breadcrumbs...mix gently with a fork

3. Using a tablespoon, shape into 16 meatballs (approximately)

4. Using a large heavy bottom pot, heat the oil over medium heat

5. Add the meatballs to the heated oil and let them cook, turning occasionally until browned, approximately 8 - 10 minutes

In the meantime...

6. In a small skillet, add olive oil, onion and garlic until they are softened

7. Add the juice from the can of tomatoes, parsley and thyme

8. When meatballs are browned on all sides, add the tomato sauce from the skillet, and the remaining tomatoes in the can into the pot HOT TIP: If your meatballs rendered too much fat, drain meatballs in a colander and return to the pot before adding sauce.

9. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the meatballs are cooked through...approximately 10-12 minutes

10. Prepare spaghetti according to the package directions

11. Serve spaghetti with sauce and meatballs on top...enjoy

This recipe worked like a charm. The meatballs were perfectly browned, thoroughly cooked and moist. All in all a delicious and easy recipe. Next time I think I'll make a double batch and freeze. Hmmm...I think it's time for a post about cleaning and organizing a freezer! There's a lot of stuff in there!

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