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Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti

5 from 1 vote
For anyone searching for the perfect dinner delight, look no further than Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti. This traditional dish, which oozes flavors from the heart of Italy, is a must-try. While Tuscany is renowned for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, its cuisine is equally remarkable. Dive into this guide and discover how to bring a piece of Tuscany to your table.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 1 pound 450g
  • Fresh breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup 60g
  • Fresh parsley chopped: 1/4 cup (15g)
  • Garlic cloves minced: 2
  • Grated parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup 50g
  • Large egg: 1
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon 5g
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon 1g
  • Spaghetti: 8 ounces 225g
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons 30ml
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 can 400g
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon 1g
  • Fresh basil leaves: A handful

Method
 

  1. Start by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, half of the garlic, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Form this mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
  3. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Once hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. This should take around 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
  6. In the same pan, add the remaining garlic. Cook until aromatic.
  7. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and oregano.
  8. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes.
  9. As the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti as per package instructions.
  10. Return the meatballs to the sauce, letting them soak in the rich flavors.
  11. Once the spaghetti is ready, drain and mix with the meatballs and sauce.
  12. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil and some extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add some red chili flakes to the sauce.
Always use fresh herbs; they elevate the flavor.
For a richer sauce, you can add a touch of balsamic vinegar.
Serve the Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. This dish pairs beautifully with a cold iced tea or a sparkling water with a lemon wedge. Don’t forget to sprinkle some additional grated parmesan on top for that extra touch of Italian goodness.