Spaghetti + Meatballs!

We decided to make homemade meatballs and spaghetti for dinner and Averie was such a big help- she practically made the meatballs all by herself!!!

Meatballs-
1 lb extra lean ground beef or turkey breast
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
1 zucchini grated
1/2 onion grated
1 egg
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 small onion grated
2 cloves of garlic grated
salt, pepper, oregano, basil- to taste

Combine all ingredients and shape into 1.5 inch balls
Sauce-
Meanwhile, heat up 1 tsp olive oil and add 2 cloves crushed garlic, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 small cans tomato sauce,  1 can tomato paste, 1 tsp dried basil & dried oregano, salt, pepper, 1/2 c parm cheese and a sprinkle of brown sugar- Bring to a boil and add meatballs- lower heat, put lid on and simmer 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked thru!

**(If using store bought sauce, I always buy the Ragu Light, no sugar added and I doctor it up- Start by sautéing onions and garlic and then add the whole jar of sauce along with a couple tbsp of brown sugar and about a half cup of red wine...bring to a simmer and add meatballs)

While that is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add some salt and cook some "thin spaghetti" (we always use whole wheat) according to package.

Sprinkle finished product with lots of fresh parm and enjoy!

*meatball recipe adapted from slimfast recipe and sauce is totally made up by me!