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Spaghetti and Meatballs

Let's learn how to make my favorite family dinner that everyone always loves and devours - spaghetti and meatballs but the Moribyan version! My one secret ingredient will take this to a whole another level.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves finely minced, or 1 tablespoon
  • 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
  • 3 to 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan and more to garnish on top
  • 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
  • 12 ounces bucatini

Instructions 

MAKE THE PASTA SAUCE

  1. To a saucepan over medium high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Then add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.
  2. Add the meat along with the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt. Break it up as it cooks and browns, about 6 to 7 minutes. If using onions, add it in along with the ground beef.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce and mix it all together. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
  4. Now add the splash of heavy cream along with the parmesan and parsley. Mix everything and taste. Adjust any seasoning to your liking.

COOK THE PASTA

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil about 15 minutes before the sauce is done. Salt the water and bring to a boil again.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions to al dente or a minute past al dente depending how you like it. Make sure to stir frequently so the noodles don't stick together.
  3. Once done, save some of the pasta water and transfer the noodles to the sauce with a little bit of pasta water (1/4 to 1/2 cup). Mix it all together.
  4. Add more parmesan on top and some fresh basil or parsley and enjoy!

Notes

  • Boil your pasta in salted water and reserve some of that pasta water at the end! Add a bit of pasta water to your sauce for some flavor as well as starch that will help the noodles to bind to the sauce.
  • If you ever have issues with the pasta sticking to each other while boiling, make sure you stir frequently to prevent this especially at the start.
  • If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance it all out!
  • Instead of pre-made sauce, you can also use a can of crushed tomatoes. Just make sure to add some water or broth to thin it out and season accordingly.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!