Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• Grated mozzarella cheese for topping
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
   • Form into meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Stack:
   • In a large baking dish, layer cooked spaghetti, meatballs, and sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce on top.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve:
   • Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Meatball Spaghetti Stack!