I had a craving for spaghetti and meatballs yet I was feeling like not using a jar of commercial sauce. This sauce pulls together fast and has flavor that will have others think you simmered it all day, not in under an hour!
Homemade Marinara Sauce with Meatballs
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped small
1/2 tsp dried diced or 2 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 tsp dried hot pepper flakes
2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes with basil, garlic & oregano added, with juice
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried parsley
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
12 precooked meatballs (can be frozen)
12 ounces spaghetti
Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions:
In a deep medium saucepan heat the oil and add the onion, garlic and dried pepper over medium and cook for 5 minutes or till turning golden. Add tomatoes, basil, oregano and parsley bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, vinegar and meatballs and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Season wit plenty of fresh ground black pepper and salt if desired.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to directions on package.
Drain pasta, plate and top with sauce. Serve with the cheese.
Serves 3 to 4.
Photos by Kirk Kirkconnell.
~Sarah