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Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs
Healthier Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs
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Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
100 minutes
Total Time:
125 minutes
Elevate classic spaghetti and meatballs with added veggies and wholesome ingredients for a nutritious twist on this beloved dish.
Ingredients:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 0.75 cup chopped onion
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 basil leaves, torn, plus additional for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
  • Create flavorful meatballs by combining ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pepper in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into 12 balls, then chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Prepare the sauce by warming olive oil in a generous saucepan on medium heat. Sauté the onion until it turns translucent, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until it becomes aromatic, approximately 30 seconds. Mix in the tomatoes, salt, sugar, and bay leaf. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour.
  • Blend in tomato paste, pepper, and fresh basil. Incorporate the meatballs into the mixture. Let it simmer over low heat until the meatballs are fully cooked, approximately 30 minutes. Confirm doneness by ensuring an instant-read thermometer reads at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) when inserted into the center.
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.

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