Food Network's Old-Fashioned Spaghetti & Meatballs

• meatball
• bulgur↗1⁄3 cup
• hot water1⁄2 cup
• lean ground beef↗4 ounces
• Italian sausage↗4 ounces
• medium onion, very finely chopped↗1
• large egg whites, lightly beaten↗2
• garlic cloves, very finely chopped↗3
• dried oregano↗1 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• ground pepper↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• spaghetti sauce and spaghetti noodles
• spaghetti sauce (your favorite flavor)↗4 cups
• fresh basil leaf (or chopped fresh parsley)↗1⁄2 cup
• spaghetti noodles (whole-wheat preferably) or 1 lb linguine (whole-wheat preferably)↗1 lb
• cup grated parmesan cheese or 1 ounce romano cheese1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   To prepare meatballs: Combine bulgur and water in a small bowl. Let stand until the bulgur is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350°F Coat a rack with cooking spray and place it over a baking sheet lined with foil.

3. 3

   Combine ground beef, sausage, onion, egg whites, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs and the soaked bulgur in a large bowl; mix well. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 24). Place the meatballs on the rack and bake for 25 minutes. Blot well with paper towel.

4. 4

   To prepare sauce & spaghetti: Put a large pot of lightly salted water on to boil. Bring sauce to a simmer in a pan. Add the sauce to meatballs and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in basil (or parsley).

5. 5

   Meanwhile, cook spaghetti (or linguine) until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the sauce and meatballs and serve with grated cheese.