Jansen’s Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs: A Delicious Family Favorite Recipe
Spaghetti and meatballs is a timeless classic, a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and family gatherings. But not all spaghetti and meatballs are created equal. This recipe, lovingly called “Jansen’s Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs,” elevates the classic to a new level of deliciousness. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, tweaked and perfected over time, resulting in a rich, flavorful sauce and incredibly tender meatballs. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish!
Why This Recipe is Special
What makes Jansen’s Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs stand out? Several key elements contribute to its exceptional flavor:
* **The Sauce:** This isn’t your average jarred sauce. It’s a slow-simmered masterpiece, built from a foundation of fresh vegetables, high-quality canned tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The long simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a depth and complexity that’s simply unmatched.
* **The Meatballs:** These aren’t just thrown together. They’re carefully crafted with a combination of ground meats, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings, resulting in a texture that’s both tender and flavorful. Baking the meatballs before adding them to the sauce ensures they hold their shape and develop a beautiful caramelized crust.
* **The Freshness:** Using fresh ingredients whenever possible makes a noticeable difference. Fresh garlic, onions, basil, and parsley contribute to the sauce’s vibrant flavor and aroma.
* **The Love:** Perhaps the most important ingredient is the love and care that goes into making this dish. Taking the time to prepare each component with attention to detail results in a truly special meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
**For the Spaghetti Sauce:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (28-ounce) can tomato puree
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 cup chicken or beef broth
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
**For the Meatballs:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 pound ground pork (or Italian sausage, casings removed)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
**Other:**
* 1 pound spaghetti
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create Jansen’s Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs.
**Part 1: Making the Meatballs**
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. **Combine Meatball Ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork (or Italian sausage), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
3. **Shape the Meatballs:** Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 24-30 meatballs from this recipe. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to ensure uniform size. This will help them cook evenly.
4. **Bake the Meatballs:** Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. Baking the meatballs helps them hold their shape and develops a delicious caramelized crust. While the meatballs are baking, you can start making the sauce.
**Part 2: Making the Spaghetti Sauce**
1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. **Add the Tomatoes:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
3. **Add the Seasonings:** Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will become. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken or beef broth.
5. **Add the Baked Meatballs:** After the meatballs have finished baking, carefully add them to the simmering sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
6. **Continue Simmering:** Cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This step is crucial for creating a harmonious and delicious dish.
7. **Stir in Fresh Herbs:** Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. This will add a burst of fresh flavor and aroma to the sauce.
8. **Remove Bay Leaf:** Remove the bay leaf before serving.
**Part 3: Cooking the Spaghetti and Serving**
1. **Cook the Spaghetti:** While the sauce and meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Be sure to salt the cooking water generously. This will help to season the pasta.
2. **Drain the Spaghetti:** Drain the spaghetti and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
3. **Combine and Serve:** Add the drained spaghetti to the pot with the sauce and meatballs. Toss to coat the spaghetti with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:
* **Use Different Meats:** Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ground meats for the meatballs. You can use all ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you use Italian sausage, be sure to remove the casings before adding it to the mixture.
* **Add Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini. Add them to the pot along with the onions and garlic.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs are always a great addition to spaghetti sauce. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, thyme, and basil.
* **Add Wine:** For a richer, more complex flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the sauce after you sauté the vegetables. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this dish vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat substitutes for the meatballs and vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth in the sauce. You can also add roasted vegetables to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Spaghetti sauce and meatballs are freezer-friendly, making this a great make-ahead meal. Allow the sauce and meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce and meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Jansen’s Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich sauce and meatballs.
* **Vegetables:** Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, add a healthy side dish.
* **Dessert:** Finish the meal with a classic Italian dessert, such as tiramisu or cannoli.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams
**Note:** This is an approximate nutritional estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
A Family Tradition
Jansen’s Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs is more than just a recipe; it’s a family tradition. It’s a dish that has been enjoyed for generations, bringing people together around the table. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a delicious and memorable meal.
Enjoy!
We hope you enjoy this recipe for Jansen’s Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs. It’s a labor of love, but the results are well worth the effort. Happy cooking!