Quick Spaghetti and Meatballs

This is a spin-off of my traditional homemade spaghetti sauce. 

Ingredients:
3 (14.5 ounce) cans of whole/diced tomatoes
6 oz. can of tomato paste
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano  
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp onion powder
 2 cloves minced garlic

26 ounce bag Italian Style Meatballs

Combine all of the ingredients except the meatballs into a large pot. Bring it to a boil and then add the meatballs. Simmer on med-low or low for the amount of time the meatballs requires on the package (usually about 15-20 minutes). As this simmers stir occasionally. 

Serve over spaghetti noodles topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 

A note about Spaghetti Noodles. I love to combine different varieties of spaghetti noodles rather than just use one kind. I usually use a combination of: Barilla Veggie Spaghetti Pasta, Barilla Whole Grain Pasta Spaghetti, and Barilla Classic Blue Box Spaghetti. 

Instant Pizza Sauce

Instant Pizza Sauce

Makes enough for 2 pizzas

Ingredients:

1 6-ounce can tomato paste

1 tomato paste can of water

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 TBSP sugar

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp red wine vinegar

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Blend well.

Thin Crust Pizza Dough

Thin Crust Pizza Dough

Makes 2 pizzas

Ingredients:

2 1/4 tsp instant yeast

1 cup warm water

1 TBSP olive oil

2 1/2 cups flour

1/4 tsp salt

cornmeal, for sprinkling

Instant Pizza Sauce

toppings

pizza stone and pizza paddle

Directions:

1. Place a pizza stone onto the center rack of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a standalone mixer combine the water and instant yeast. Add the olive oil, flour, and salt. Mix on low for 5 minutes. Let the dough rest and rise with the lid on for 10-15 minutes.

3. Roll out the first crust. Sprinkle a portion of cornmeal over the pizza paddle and carefully position the crust dough on the paddle.  Cover the dough with sauce, toppings, and cheese. Carefully place the pizza onto the pizza stone and bake for 10-12 minutes.