Gramma Sonsini’s Meatballs with Zucchini Pasta
 
 
Meatballs with Zucchini Pasta Author: Liza Cannata, Three Hungry Boys Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
  • Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Italian parsley finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil and more
  • Marinara Sauce:
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1-28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (3 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Zucchini noodles or spaghetti
  • Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil. Combine ALL ingredients in a large bowl. (Pulsing the onion garlic and herbs in a food processor is best). Using hands, gently form meatballs into 1.5 inch balls - a little smaller than a golf ball. No need to space the meatballs far apart on the sheet pan. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 15-20 min until they start to brown.
  3. Carefully transfer the meatballs to a plate.
  4. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large sauce pan. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings and carefully transfer the meatballs and juices into the sauce.
  5. Cook the meatballs covered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare zucchini noodles or regular spaghetti.
  7. Plate the warm noodles evenly into pasta bowls, top with a large spoonful of sauce, a few meatballs and serve with fresh grated parmesan and basil.
Recipe by Three Hungry Boys at https://www.threehungryboys.com/2016/04/07/meatballs-zucchini-pasta/