Kittencal’s Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce and Parmesan Meatballs

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 0
Kittencal's Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce and Parmesan Meatballs
in Pasta

Prep

30 min

Cook

3 hours

Ready In

3.5 hours

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

prepared meatballs , recipe ( see my Kittencal 's Italian Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatballs )
olive oil ( to cover bottom of the pot )
1 large onion , chopped
6 large garlic cloves , finely chopped ( or to taste )
1 -2 bay leaf
1 tablespoon dried oregano ( rubbed with fingers to release the oils )
1 tablespoon dried basil ( rubbed with fingers to release the oils )
1 -2 tablespoon salt ( or to taste )
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ( or to taste )
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ( optional or to taste )
1 can tomato paste
1/3 - 1/2 cup dry red wine ( or to taste )
2 cans crushed tomatoes ( can use 3 cans if you plan of freezing some sauce )
2 cans diced tomatoes , well drained
1 tablespoon sugar ( optional and to be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking time )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6-8
Calories
533
Sugar
12g
Fat
30g
Kittencal's Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce and Parmesan Meatballs is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The slow-cooked sauce is bursting with rich tomato flavor, and the meatballs add a hearty protein to the dish. This recipe uses a combination of canned tomatoes and aromatics, along with a touch of red wine, to create a deep, complex sauce that will impress your guests. The addition of Parmesan cheese on top adds a wonderful nutty flavor and completes the dish. Serve this sauce and meatballs with your favorite pasta and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own home.

Instructions

1.Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2.Add the onion, garlic, and bay leaf, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3.Add the oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes more.
4.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
5.Add the red wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce.
6.Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and prepared meatballs.
7.Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for at least 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
8.Add the sugar in the last 30 minutes of cooking time and adjust the seasoning to taste.
9.Serve with your favorite pasta and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

PROS

This hearty pasta sauce is bursting with flavor and perfect for a family dinner.

The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for a quick weekday meal.

This dish can feed a crowd and is great for leftovers.

CONS

The cooking time for the sauce is quite long, so plan accordingly.

The meatballs can be time-consuming to prepare, but are worth the effort for the final result.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and lycopene.
The meatballs add protein to the dish, and using lean ground beef can make it a healthier option.
When served with whole wheat pasta, this dish is a great option for a balanced meal.

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