GIADA SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS RECIPES

Steps:

• Place the Basic Red Sauce in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Place all the remaining meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir well with a wooden spoon to combine, then form the meat into balls by rolling about 2 tablespoons of meat between your hands. Place meatballs on a plate as they are formed. (Hint: if your hands are slightly damp, the meatballs will roll more easily and will not stick to your hands!) When all the meatballs are formed, gently place the balls into the sauce 1 at a time using a long handled spoon. Be careful - bubbling sauce splatters! Simmer the sauce uncovered, and allow the meatballs to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes before stirring. Stir the meatballs into the sauce when they rise to the top.
• Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• While sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Strain and toss with the olive oil. Keep warm until ready to serve.
• Heat the olive oil in a 5-quart pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, salt, crushed red pepper, oregano and black pepper, and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl and squeeze to break into small pieces. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and sugar to the pot with the onions, and stir well. Add the Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally with a long-handled wooden spoon, until flavors have come together and sauce is thickened. Stir in the basil and let sit for 10 minutes before using.
• Remove from the heat, and use as needed. You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Cook the spaghetti according to its package instructions, removing from the pasta water 1 minute prior to "al dente". Set aside.
• Meanwhile, combine the beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cream, egg, half the garlic and 1 tablespoon oregano in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using your hands or a wooden spatula, mix together until well combined. Portion into 10 meatballs. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs, turning as needed, until browned on all sides, 5 to 6 minutes. Move the meatballs to the edge of the skillet.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion to the center of the skillet, along with the remaining garlic and oregano. Cook to release the flavor, a minute or two. Add the tomatoes and crushed red pepper, along with 1/2 cup hot water. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then carefully stir the meatballs into the sauce. Simmer, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the meatballs to finish cooking, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Add the pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce, making sure to thoroughly coat the noodles in the sauce. Arrange the meatballs on top of the pasta and sprinkle the mozzarella on top, being careful not to completely cover the meatballs and sauce (so it looks pretty after baking) and transfer to the oven. Bake until bubbly and the cheese is completely melted, about 12 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the oven and top with Parmesan and the fresh basil. Serve straight from the skillet.