Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground turkey (dark meat)
  • 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 lb spaghetti noodles
  • 4 qt water
  • 2 tbsp salt

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 lb ground beef, 1 lb ground turkey, and a splash of olive oil.
  2. Stir in 1 cup fine breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix with hands until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (roughly the size of a golf ball).
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil and brown the meatballs on all sides until they have a deep brown crust, then remove and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, and 1 diced zucchini; sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened.
  6. Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1 tbsp sugar, then bring to a low simmer for 10 minutes.
  8. Use an immersion blender directly in the pan to process the sauce until completely smooth and velvety.
  9. Gently nestle the browned meatballs into the blended sauce, cover, and simmer on low for 20–30 minutes until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. While the sauce simmers, bring 4 qt water and 2 tbsp salt to a boil in a large pot.
  11. Add 1 lb spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente (usually 1 minute less than package instructions).
  12. Drain the pasta and either toss it directly into the sauce or plate the pasta and ladle the sauce and meatballs on top.