Spaghetti & Meatballs (Make Ahead Freezer Meatballs}

Homemade spaghetti sauce (large batch) perfect for spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, ravioli or baked ziti. Plus Make Ahead Freezer Meatballs.  

When Jane Doiron contacted me about reviewing her new cookbook, Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms, I knew by the title that this was a book for me. If you're a mom then I know you're busy which doesn't leave a whole lot of time for cooking. Any cookbook that will help cut back on time spent in the kitchen is right at the top of my list for cookbooks. 

I think the number one complaint as to why more moms don't cook at home is because they just don't have time to do it. Not only does Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms have great recipes for REAL FOOD but it also has time saving tips scattered throughout the cookbook. 

It took me a couple days to get through the cookbook. I was so surprised at just how many recipes she had that I couldn't wait to try. I found so many recipes that I liked and already found three meals to list on my next menu plan. The first recipe I made was chose to to try was Jane's Spaghetti with Make Ahead Meatballs.

I have to admit I'm a cheater when it comes to making spaghetti sauce. Don't hate me but I occasionally use Ragu's super chunky mushroom spaghetti sauce. I know it's store bought sauce but the flavor is so good. Not to mention is it always on sale and I usually have a coupon, so I just pay pennies for the jarred sauce. 

Spaghetti & Meatballs is my sons favorite meal, so I told Carson I was going to make it homemade from start to finish. He said mom don't mess up LOL. My mom always made homemade spaghetti sauce growing up, but I really don't make it that often. I followed Jane's recipe exactly

Making the meatballs ahead of time is such a huge time saver and I can make more than enough for two meals. The meatballs were a cinch to make and so easy when it came time to cook the sauce. All I had to do was remove them from the freezer and toss them into the spaghetti sauce. 

Make Ahead Meals has so many time saving tips and most of her recipes are made ahead of time. A few of my favorites are BBQ Pulled Pork, Lasagna, Marinated Steak, Mini Meatloaves, Breakfast Burritos and this Spaghetti Sauce recipe.

I'm making the Teriyaki Chicken Thighs and the Tuna Noodle Casserole this coming week, so I will let you know how those go over. This cookbook also has a few freezer meal recipes which I love. This cookbook has a variety of recipe for breakfast, sides, soups and desserts. 

All I can say is JANE how did this book get passed me? I'm hoping to squeeze in her Italian Cookies before Christmas but I'm not sure if I can swing it. If not then I will make them for New Years Eve for sure.

The spaghetti and meatballs turned out delicious and the sauce was even better the second day after the flavors have had time to mingle together. This recipe make a lot of sauce, so I split it up and freeze part of it to use for another meal for ravioli or lasagna. I have included the recipe below so you can try it.

I took Jane's advice and froze the meatballs ahead of time. Instead of cooking them I just formed the meatballs using a small cookie scoop so they would be even shaped. Then I placed them on a baking sheet and flash froze them for about 30 minutes.

When the meatballs were frozen I added them to a large freezer bag, dated the bag and froze them. When it's time to make the spaghetti sauce all I have to do is remove the meatballs from the freezer and placed them on a greased baking tray bake according to the recipe and add the sauce. 

If you would like to try Jane's Cookbook---> Make Ahead Meals for Busy Mom's, I'm giving away free copy today!!!  You wont be disappointed and I am so glad I had the opportunity to review this cookbook, because it really is pretty awesome. Thank you Jane for making an awesome cookbook that's so useful to all the busy moms out there. You definitely got it right!!! 

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

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Leave a comment telling me your biggest dinner time challenge. (maybe you need more time, picky eaters, need more meal ideas. etc)

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You can also visit makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com if you are interested in purchasing a copy Jane's Cookbook. It would made a great gift for that special someone.

Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

2 - tablespoons olive oil 
2/3 - cup chopped onion

4 - 5 - cloves of garlic, chopped

2 - 28 oz cans ground peeled tomatoes

2 - 12 oz cans tomato paste

2  3/4 - cups water

2 - teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 - teaspoon pepper

2 - 3 tablespoons sugar 

6-8 sweet Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled

1-2 bay leafs

Meatball Recipe:

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)

2 - eggs, beaten
1/4 - cup milk
1/2 - cup Italian bread crumbs
1/3 - cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 - tablespoon dried minced onion
1/2 - teaspoon salt
1/8 - teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1/2 - teaspoon pepper 

Preheat oven to 350 f. In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients together. Use a 1/4 cup measure for large meatballs or a small cookie scoop to form meatballs. 

Place all the meatballs and the sausage on a large baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Set aside.

In a large pot heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and stir occasionally until transparent. 

Add the garlic and stir for one more minute. Turn the heat down to medium low and add the ground tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, pepper, sugar, and pepper flakes. Stir well until smooth.

Add the drained meatballs and sausage to the sauce and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Lower the heat, if the sauce sticks to the pan stir occasionally. If using a bay leafs remove from sauce before eating.

Crock Pot Version: Saute the onion and garlic in a small sauce pan and then add to the crock pot. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours. I added the meatballs the last 2 - 3 hours of cooking.

Cooks Note: This recipe yields a pretty good amount of sauce. I recommend freezing half of the sauce for another meal. This would be a great sauce for Lasagna or Baked Ziti.

Disclosure: Jane Doiron provided me with a complimentary copy of "Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms" for the purpose of reviewing her cookbook. Receiving this product does not influence my opinion or my views . Thank you to Jane Doiron for sponsoring this giveaway.