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2 Recipes- How to Make Homemade Pasta Sauce & Italian Meatballs

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3 recipes
vegetariangluten-free

Originating from Italy, pasta sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine, often made from fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices. It embodies the Italian philosophy of using simple, quality ingredients to create delicious meals. Today, variations of pasta sauce are enjoyed worldwide, with each region adding its own twist, from spicy arrabbiata to creamy Alfredo.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
  • onion
  • garlic
  • canned tomatoes
  • tomato paste
  • basil
  • oregano
  • sugar
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering
  2. 2Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute
  4. 4Add canned tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine
  5. 5Season with basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper
  6. 6Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally
  7. 7Adjust seasoning to taste, adding red pepper flakes for heat
  8. 8Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese before serving

Ingredient Alternatives

canned tomatoes

Healthier: fresh tomatoes

Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes provide a vibrant flavor, while crushed tomatoes are budget-friendly.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Techniques

sautéingsimmering

Equipment

large potwooden spoonknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

Marinara SauceTomato Sauce

Italian meatballs are a beloved dish in Italian cuisine, often served with pasta or as a sandwich filling. They reflect the Italian tradition of using simple, quality ingredients to create hearty meals. While meatballs are enjoyed worldwide, their preparation can vary significantly by region, with some areas favoring different meats or spices. They are commonly served at family gatherings, celebrations, and as comfort food.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • breadcrumbs
  • parmesan cheese
  • egg
  • garlic
  • parsley
  • salt
  • pepper
  • olive oil
  • tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3Mix the ingredients until well combined.
  4. 4Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  5. 5Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  6. 6Brown the meatballs on all sides in the skillet, then transfer them to a baking dish.
  7. 7Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish.
  8. 8Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  9. 9Serve hot with pasta or on a sub roll.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often more affordable.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and provides a cheesy flavor, while pecorino is usually less expensive.

Techniques

mixingbrowningbaking

Equipment

bowlskilletbaking dishoven
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyegg

Also Known As

PolpetteMeatballs alla Italiana

Lasagna has its roots in ancient Greece, but the modern Italian version, especially from Bologna, has become a beloved comfort food. Traditionally made with layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, it symbolizes family gatherings and celebrations. Today, variations abound worldwide, with many regions adding their unique twists, making it a versatile dish enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

  • lasagna noodles
  • ground beef
  • ground pork
  • onion
  • garlic
  • canned tomatoes
  • tomato paste
  • olive oil
  • ricotta cheese
  • mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • egg
  • fresh basil
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. 4Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Add ground beef and pork; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. 7In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and fresh basil; mix until smooth.
  8. 8Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
  9. 9Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese.
  10. 10Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
  11. 11Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  12. 12Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  13. 13Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner and healthier, while ground chicken can be less expensive.

ricotta cheese

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat, while cream cheese can be a budget-friendly alternative.

mozzarella cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat, while cheddar can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated Pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and lower in calories, while Pecorino offers a similar flavor.

Techniques

sautéinglayeringbaking

Equipment

large skilletbaking dishpot for boiling noodlesmixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyeggs

Also Known As

Lasagna alla BologneseLasagna al Forno

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