Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
• 1 packet Italian mushroom spaghetti mix (optional)
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Spaghetti Sauce

• 2 cans tomato purée (28 oz each)
• 1 can chopped tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1 tbsp sugar

Additional

• 1 package spaghetti noodles
• Grated Parmesan (for garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the meatballs: Combine ground beef, peppers, garlic, milk, onion, onion powder, parsley, all-purpose seasoning, optional Italian mix, bread crumbs, and Parmesan. Mix just until combined; form into 1½–2 inch balls.
2. Sear: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned (they’ll finish cooking in sauce). Remove and set aside.
3. Start the sauce: In a pot, warm olive oil. Add green bell pepper and cook 2–3 min. Stir in tomato purée and chopped tomatoes.
4. Season: Add basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion & garlic powders, white pepper, parsley, and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring.
5. Simmer together: Nestle meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently 25–35 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
6. Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
7. Serve: Plate spaghetti, spoon sauce and meatballs on top, and finish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.