Spaghetti & Meatballs - Thursday $7.37

Ellie's favorite - I know I've said that before, but this is for real! Too bad she won't be home to eat them - they are her favorite left over night treat, so she'll get hers on Saturday if there are any left...

Here goes!

Spaghetti and Meatballs
1 pound ground turkey $2,43
2 egg whites .16
1/3 cup dry Italian seasoned breadcrumbs** .20
3 Tbsp water
1/3 onion, chopped (approx. 1/3 cup).15
2 cloves garlic, minced .10
1 Tbsp dried Parsley (approx. 3 Tbsp fresh).10
1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

1 jar (26 oz) marinara sauce of your choosing .99
4 portions of pasta of your choice - about 8 oz. .99
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese .25

Total $ 7.37

In a large mixing bowl combine ingredients turkey thru black pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape into meatballs approx. 1 1/2 inch in diameter (I use a soup spoon as a scoop, with a gentle heap to the spoon, this makes the right size meatball for us each to have about 5 meatballs).

Heat a large frying pan with approx. 1 T olive oil covering the pan over medium heat. Place meatballs in pan and cook until they release from the bottom of the pan without alot of scraping or force. Turn occasionally until browned on all "sides".

Once meatballs are browned, add about 1/3 cup water, slide meatballs around a bit, then cover with marinara sauce and bring to a gentle boil - reduce heat to simmer, stir and cover - simmer for about 20 minutes while you bring a big pot of water to a boil and prepare the pasta per the directions.

Place a portion of pasta on each plate, cover with a portion of meatballs and marinara, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and sit back awaiting an empty plate!

**If you don't have Italian seasoned Breadcrumbs, you can substitute plain, in equal portions, but add basil, and garlic powder to the crumbs - I would add 1 1/2 tsp basil and 1 tsp garlic powder to the 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs in this recipe (or just add a touch more fresh garlic to the recipe!)