dee dee's italian meatballs and pasta
I found an older model electric pasta machine in the box and like new for $8 in a thrift store. Previous owner(s) had obviously not used this machine very often. SCORE! I couldn't wait to get home and play with this new gadget and I really wanted to make an impression with the 1st meal since I was making my own pasta. I love it when I get: "this is one of the best if not the best italian dishes I can recall ever having" and that's what I got with this dish. Ohhhh, You can still enjoy this meal even if you don't make your own pasta! Just use a pasta of your liking. Hope you enjoy!
prep time
30 Min
cook time
1 Hr
method
Stove Top
yield
6 to 8
Ingredients
- MEATBALLS
- 4 slices bread, i used wheat
- - milk
- 1 pound italian sausage, mild
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon basil, paste (can use fresh or dried)
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste (or 2 cloves of garlic minced)
- 1 large egg
- - salt and pepper to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- SAUCE
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 3 - (14.5-oz) cans diced tomatoes and juice
- 1 - (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon basil paste (can use fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- - salt and pepper to taste
- - cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice
- - parmesan cheese
How To Make dee dee's italian meatballs and pasta
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Step 1Soak bread slices in milk; squeeze excess moisture out of bread. Combine bread and remaining ingredients together except for the olive oil; mix well. Form meatballs. I made 21 large meatballs using a 1/4 cup measuring cup. You can make any size you desire.
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Step 2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over a medium heat; add meatballs and brown. Once browned, cover an reduce heat to low (just to keep warm). Prepare sauce.
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Step 3SAUCE: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook until tender.
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Step 4Add red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; stir. Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat slighly and let simmer for 15 minutes covered. Remove lid and simmer another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken.
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Step 5Add meatballs to sauce, cover and simmer for another 30 minutes.
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Step 6Plate up pasta, place 2 or 3 meatballs on top of spaghetti (or pasta of choice) and spoon sauce over top. Sprinkle with a little parmesan. Serve with a side salad and a fresh roll.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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