This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for feeding a large group, bringing the comforting flavors of home-cooked meatballs and pasta to your table. The sauce is built from a robust base of tomato puree and paste, simmered with aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, garlic, and onion for a deep, savory profile. The beef meatballs are seasoned with eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked until firm before finishing in the warm sauce to absorb all the flavor. Its a satisfying, indulgent meal that feels special yet remains simple enough for casual gatherings. Whether for a potluck, family reunion, or community dinner, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results that everyone will love.
Spaghetti For 50
Description
This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for feeding a large group, bringing the comforting flavors of home-cooked meatballs and pasta to your table. The sauce is built from a robust base of tomato puree and paste, simmered with aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, garlic, and onion for a deep, savory profile. The beef meatballs are seasoned with eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked until firm before finishing in the warm sauce to absorb all the flavor. Its a satisfying, indulgent meal that feels special yet remains simple enough for casual gatherings. Whether for a potluck, family reunion, or community dinner, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results that everyone will love.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
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Grease or spray three 13x9 inch baking pans.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, instant minced onions, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder (or minced garlic clove), and pepper.
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Mix thoroughly with clean hands until just combined.
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Scoop mixture using a 1.5-ounce ice cream scoop (dipped in cold water to prevent sticking) and shape into balls.
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Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the prepared baking pans, placing them about 1/2 inch apart.
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Bake meatballs for 18 minutes or until browned and firm.
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While meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a 12-quart stockpot, combine the tomato puree, tomato paste, water, instant minced onion, dried basil, chopped fresh basil, salt, sugar, dried oregano, and garlic powder (or minced garlic clove).
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Bring sauce mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce heat and simmer sauce for 1 hour.
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Add baked meatballs to the simmering sauce.
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Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing meatballs to absorb the sauce flavor.
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Serve the meatballs and sauce over drained cooked spaghetti.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 50
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 18.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2493.3mg104%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.2g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 2.3g
- Protein 0.9g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Sauce can be made ahead of time and freezes well for future use.
This recipe is easy to double or triple for even larger gatherings.
Ensure meatballs are fully cooked through before serving.
For best results, use high-quality tomato products for a richer sauce flavor.
Adjust salt and sugar to taste depending on the acidity of the tomatoes used.
