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italian essentials: meatballs & italian sausages

(1 rating)
Andy59 avatar
Recipe by
Andy Anderson !
@Andy59
Wichita, KS

This is a recipe that my Aunt Josephine used to dish up when the weather began to turn cold. When I would come over to visit, I always knew what we were going to have for dinner, because the smell of those meatballs and sausages slowly cooking in a spicy tomato sauce was absolute heaven. Unfortunately, Aunt Josephine passed away before I got this recipe, so I came up with one of my own. And when I begin cooking it on a cool Autumn day, and those divine smells begin filling the house, I smile, and think of Aunt Joe. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

(1 rating)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 35 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For italian essentials: meatballs & italian sausages

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • THE MEATBALLS & SAUSAGES
  • 2 Tbsp
    grapeseed oil, for sautéing
  • 6 - 8
    homemade meatballs, recipe recommendation to follow
  • 3 lg
    italian sausages, mild or hot, your choice
  • THE TOMATO SAUCE
  • 1 Tbsp
    sweet butter, unsalted
  • 1/2 md
    yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1/4 c
    chicken stock, not broth
  • 1/4 c
    dry white wine
  • 14 oz
    crushed tomatoes, canned variety
  • 1 Tbsp
    white, or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp
    tomato paste
  • 1/4 tsp
    ground cumin
  • 1 tsp
    dried basil
  • 1 tsp
    dried oregano
  • salt, kosher variety, to taste
  • black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • ADDITIONAL ITEMS
  • pasta, your choice
  • parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for garnish
  • crusty bread

How To Make italian essentials: meatballs & italian sausages

  • 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • 2
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • 3
    Recipe Recommendation: If you are looking for a good meatball recipe, look no further. This recipe was my Aunt Josephine’s: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/pork/delicious-beef-pork-meatballs.html?r=13
  • 4
    Tomato Recommendation: Some of my favorite canned tomatoes are: San Marzano, Crushed Peeled Tomatoes. However, if you are looking for a good canned tomato at a better price point, then I would recommend Hunt's brand.
  • 5
    Add the oil to a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
  • 6
    When it begins to shimmer, add the meatballs, and cook until browned all over, about 6 – 8 minutes.
  • 7
    Remove from the skillet, and reserve.
  • 8
    Prick the sausages with a fork, and brown them in the same skillet, about 4 – 6 minutes.
  • 9
    Chef’s Note: If you wish, you can remove the casings from the sausages before cooking. That is what I do.
  • 10
    Remove them, cut into bite-sized pieces, and reserve with the meatballs.
  • 11
    Add the chopped onions to the pan, and cook until softened, about 3 – 5 minutes.
  • 12
    Add the garlic, and stir until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
  • 13
    Reduce the heat to medium-low, deglaze the pan with the chicken stock, and wine, and then simmer for 5 minutes
  • 14
    Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, cumin, basil, and oregano, and then season with a bit of salt and pepper.
  • 15
    Bring the pan back up to a simmer, not a boil, and cook for 5 - 8 minutes.
  • 16
    Chef’s Tip: Recheck the seasoning.
  • 17
    Return the meatballs, and the sausage to the pan.
  • 18
    Cover, and lightly simmer for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • 19
    Chef’s Note: If you are using fresh tomatoes, add 20 minutes to the simmering time.
  • 20
    Remove the lid, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • 21
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • 22
    Spoon over a plate of steaming pasta, sprinkle with some parmesan (freshly grated, of course), and don’t forget some nice crusty bread. Enjoy.
  • 23
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!

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