Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Don’t be upsetti, eat some spaghetti.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 lb. spaghetti
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/3 c. bread crumbs
  • 1/4 c. finely chopped parsley
  • 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 c. onion, finely chopped
  • 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
  1. In a large bowl, combine beef with bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, egg, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined then form into 16 balls.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a plate.
  3. Add onion to pot and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to pot and cover. Simmer until sauce has thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
  5. Serve pasta with a healthy scoop of meatballs and sauce. Top with Parmesan before serving.