Family Sicilian Sauce and Meatballs

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced Italian tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for meatballs)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for meatballs)

Preparation Time: 2 hours (includes preparation and cooking time)

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: 4 (Moderate to Advanced)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and add the diced bell peppers. Saute for a few minutes until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and oregano and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
6. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve over pasta or on its own with a side of your favorite vegetables.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings) Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on the type of pasta served with it) Fat: 25-30g Carbohydrates: 30-40g Protein: 25-35g

Dish Characteristics:

• Traditional Sicilian-style sauce with a rich tomato flavor.
• Meatballs are tender and full of flavor, infused with Italian spices.
• The dish is hearty and perfect for colder weather or as a weekend family meal.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit with my family! The meatballs were so juicy and the sauce was flavorful."
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to follow. The meatballs were a bit spicy, but overall, it was a great dish."
3. "I served this with fettuccine and it was a perfect match. The sauce had a great balance of flavors."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If fresh ingredients are not available, canned options can be used as a substitute.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Some people might prefer more salt or pepper.
• Ensure the meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce to prevent any food safety issues.