Grandma's Spaghetti and Meatballs

I can't believe it's taken me this long to add this recipe. It's one of my families favorite meals and from a very special person Ernie's grandmother, Margot.  I chose to have it tonight because it's my birthday, and to post it on this day too!


1 large onion chopped

1 small sweet green pepper cored, seeded and chopped

1 clove garlic minced

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 can (28 oz) Italian-style tomatoes petite diced, diced

1 can (6-oz) tomato paste

2 cups water

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. leaf basil crumbled

¼ tsp. red pepper flakes 

1 pound spaghetti 

Grated parmesan cheese 

Meatball ingredients

Combine 1 lb. ground chuck, 1 cup of bread crumbs, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp. chopped parsley, 2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. pepper, ¼ tsp. basil, 1 clove garlic minced in large bowl. Mix lightly until well blended. Shape into balls about 1-½ inches in diameter. Makes about 18 meatballs.

 Sauté onion, green pepper and garlic in oil in large saucepan until tender. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, salt, basil and red pepper flakes; stir to mix well. Bring to a boil, lower heat; partially cover; simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Drop meatballs into sauce; simmer, partially covered 30 min. longer, or until sauce thickens.

Serve with this salad Caesar Salad.

From the kitchen of: Margot Kennedy