Ingredients

For Sauce:

1 onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves minced garlic

2 tbsp olive oil

2 14.5 oz cans of tomato sauce

1 6 oz (small) can of tomato paste

1/2 cup water

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

2 tbsp Italian or pizza seasoning

1 tsp sugar

1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

1 lb. spaghetti, cooked according to package directions

for Meatballs:

1.25# ground beef (good quality)

3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs

3 cloves minced garlic

1/2 cup milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups grated or shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup diced onion

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 tbsp. Italian or pizza seasoning (or 1 tbsp each dried oregano and dried basil)

Preparation

Prepare meatballs first.

Preheat oven to 375. Spray a baking sheet lightly with cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Using your hands, mix well so that all ingredients are incorporated through, but do not overmix. Shape mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place on baking sheets. Bake for 30-45 minutes or to desired level of doneness. You may want to turn heat up to 425 after 30 minutes if you want a crustier outside on the meatball. Makes 25-30.

While meatballs are baking, cook the pasta and start the sauce.

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste and water. Stir until well combined. Lower heat to a simmer. Add all of the seasonings and stir well. Continue to simmer until sauce and seasonings are well blended. Serve over 1/2 to 1 pound of pasta cooked according to package directions. Top with fresh basil.