Emeril's Meatballs and Red Gravy

ItalianBeefIntermediate300 minBy Northstar

Ingredients

Servings
4
  • 2 slice white bread
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.3 lb ground beef
  • 0.3 lb ground veal
  • 0.3 lb ground pork
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp garlic, chopped
  • 56 oz canned tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped (two 28-oz cans)
  • 6 oz tomato paste (1 small can)
  • 2 cup water
  • 1 lb dried spaghetti
  • 4 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place the bread slices in a shallow dish. Pour the milk over them and let sit a couple of minutes until saturated.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, veal, and pork. Season with salt and pepper. Add the minced onion, 1 tablespoon garlic, parsley, and soaked bread. Mix well. Roll into small meatballs.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, 4 to 6 minutes total. Drain on paper towels.

  4. 4

    In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the chopped onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook 4 to 5 minutes until soft. Add the remaining garlic and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    Whisk the tomato paste with the water and stir into the sauce. Add the meatballs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Re-season with salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.

  7. 7

    Serve the spaghetti in bowls topped with meatballs and red gravy. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.