Megan's Amazing Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound of spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, olive oil, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, mix together bread crumbs, milk, ground beef, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into 1 1/2 inch balls.
5. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread tomato sauce over bottom. Arrange meatballs on top of sauce. Sprinkle reserved Parmesan cheese mixture over meatballs.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
7. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Interesting Facts

• This dish is traditionally served with spaghetti, but can also be served with other pastas such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
• Megan's Amazing Spaghetti and Meatballs is a great dish to make ahead and freeze for later use.
• The combination of herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese makes this dish a true Italian classic.