Linguine With Marinara Sauce and Meatballs

PanNan's Note:

When we're in the mood for good home made spaghetti (we prefer linguine) and meatballs, I make a simple sauce and cook the meatballs in it for a long time. Just before serving we add fresh herbs and top it with Parmesan.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

Meatballs

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1/2 onion, chopped fine
• 1/2 green pepper, chopped fine
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• salt
• pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Sauce

• 3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 3 cups water
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano
• grated or shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Mix first nine ingredients by hand using a light touch.
2. Shape into 1 1/2" meatballs.
3. Brown slowly in a small amount of olive oil in a Dutch oven.
4. Turn carefully to brown all sides.
5. Meanwhile make sauce.
6. Mix tomato paste, tomato sauce and water.
7. When last side of meatballs are nearly brown, add tomato sauce mix to the pan.
8. Add garlic, carrot, salt, pepper and wine.
9. Stir, being careful not to break up meatballs, cover and simmer for at least an hour.
10. Add fresh chopped basil and oregano to taste during the last ten minutes.
11. Serve over linguini with Parmesan.

Reviews

[pattikay in L.A.]

Very nice, full of flavor. I put this in the crock pot and let it do its thing for a few hours. Thanks for sharing!

[NcMysteryShopper]

My son is a spaghetti and meatball fanatic so I chose this recipe to make for the night of his kindergarten graduation. I loved the simplicity of the marinara and the inclusion of fresh herbs, the boys loved the meatballs! My meatballs stayed together while cooking. I ended up simmering the sauce and meatballs for a little over 2 hours. Thanks Pan Nan! Zaar World Tour 4 - Whine and Cheese!

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

This was so good and very hearty and fresh tasting. Made with ground chicken breast and they held together very well. Great dish Nan! Thanks for sharing!