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dee dee's italian meatballs and pasta

(2 ratings)
DeeDee2011 avatar
Recipe by
Diane Atherton
@DeeDee2011
PINE MOUNTAIN, GA

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!

(2 ratings)
yield 6 to 8
prep time 30 Min
cook time 1 Hr
method Stove Top

Ingredients For dee dee's italian meatballs and pasta

  • MEATBALLS
  • 4 slice
    bread, i used wheat
  • milk
  • 1 lb
    italian sausage, mild
  • 1 lb
    ground beef
  • 1/2 c
    italian bread crumbs
  • 1/2 c
    parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tbsp
    basil, paste (can use fresh or dried)
  • 2 tsp
    garlic paste (or 2 cloves of garlic minced)
  • 1 lg
    egg
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp
    olive oil, extra virgin
  • SAUCE
  • 3 Tbsp
    olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 lg
    onion, chopped
  • 1 lg
    bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 clove
    garlic, chopped
  • 1 tsp
    red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp
    fennel seed
  • 3
    (14.5-oz) cans diced tomatoes and juice
  • 1
    (8-oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 Tbsp
    basil paste (can use fresh or dried)
  • 1 tsp
    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

  • 1
    Soak 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.
  • 2
    Heat 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.
  • 3
    SAUCE: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook until tender.
  • 4
    Add 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.
  • 5
    Add meatballs to sauce, cover and simmer for another 30 minutes.
  • 6
    Plate 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! 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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