Homemade Best Italian Meatballs

In my book, nothing says comfort food like a nice plate of spaghetti with these: the best Italian meatballs ever! I’ve skipped the pan browning to it simple.

Best Italian Meatballs

Course Main Course
Servings 4 meatballs
Calories 258 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Italian style bread crumbs*
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 lb 85% ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
  • 1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Soak crumbs in milk for 20 minutes.
  • Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
  • Shape meatball mixture into 24 balls (1 ½“ each).
  • *For gluten-free meatballs, use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of bread crumbs.
  • Cooking Method #1: Drop meatballs one at a time into the sauce, soup or other cooking liquid and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160͒. Do not stir for the first 10 minutes to allow meatballs to set. Stir gently and occasionally after that.
  • Cooking Method #2: Bake uncovered in at 400͒ for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160͒.
  • Hack: Place cooked or uncooked meatballs in a single layer on cookie sheet and place in freezer until solid. Seal in a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for future use.
Keyword gluten-free meatballs, ground beef, homemade meatballs, Italian cuisine, Italian food, Italian meatballs, meatballs, pasta, spaghetti

Did you know?  Beef has gotten a bad rap due to its high fat and cholesterol content but the health benefits make it a healthy addition to a balanced diet!

Suggestion: Substitute meatballs for the sausage in this spaghetti sauce!

Penne Pasta with Tomatoes and Peas

Penne pasta with tomatoes and peas is a vegetarian option that’s quick, light and super simple. This dish is a winner at any meal!

Penne Pasta with Tomatoes and Peas

Penne Pasta with Tomatoes and Peas

Course Main Course
Servings 1
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • cup uncooked penne pasta (2 oz)
  • ¼ cup frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • cloves garlic, minced (1½ tsp)
  • ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¾ tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • tsp black pepper
  • tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Stir in the peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain.
  • Add oil to a saute pan and heat over medium-low heat. Saute garlic for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Increase heat to medium-high, add tomatoes, basil and parsley. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add pasta, salt and pepper to pan, cook for 3 minutes or until heated through.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and serve immediately.
Keyword fast and easy, green peas, low calorie, meal for one, meatless, pasta, pasta sauce, pasta with peas, pasta with tomatoes, penne, quick and easy meal, quick dinner, vegetarian

 

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there, either with carbs and without!

Suggestion:  For a more protein-rich meal, add some Italian meatballs!

Spaghetti Sauce with Italian Sausage

Homemade spaghetti sauce with Italian sausage is, hands down, my favorite dish. Like, ever. I like to make a big batch and freeze some for later!

Spaghetti Sauce with Italian Sausage

Spaghetti Sauce with Italian Sausage

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups chopped tomatoes (4 pounds)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, sweet or hot, uncooked

Instructions
 

  • Put all ingredients, including sausage in a large pot and bring to simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour until the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 165͑͒.
  • Remove sausage and cut into slices. Remove bay leaves. If desired, the sauce can be processed in batches with a blender or food processor until smooth.
  • Return sausage to the sauce and serve with your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash.
  • Hack: Put serving-sized leftover portions in sealable freezer bags or containers leftovers and freeze for future use.
  • Hack:  If you have leftover tomatoes and no time to make the sauce, simply puree them in the blender and freeze the fresh puree in sealed freezer bags or containers to cook with at a later date.
Keyword homemade pasta sauce, homemade spaghetti sauce, pasta, pasta sauce, pasta sauce recipe, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti sauce recipe

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there,  some with carbs and some without!

Suggestion:  Substitute these meatballs in place of the sausage!

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