When we think of spaghetti and meatballs, we think of someone’s Italian grandma in the kitchen all day. But we love this childhood favorite too much to wait for it, so we just had to make our own, weeknight version. Add Cheesy Garlic Bread (page 102), and you just can’t get a tastier meal in less time.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　1 pound ground beef

　　6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

　　1/4 cup plain unseasoned bread crumbs

　　1 large egg, lightly beaten

　　2 tablespoons The Lady’s House Seasoning (page 7)

　　1 tablespoon dried oregano

　　3 tablespoons olive oil

　　One 24-ounce jar marinara sauce

　　1 pound spaghetti

　　

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the beef, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, house seasoning, and oregano. Use your hands to form the mixture into 2-inch round meatballs.

　　

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes total, or until golden brown. Add the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are no longer pink. Cover and keep warm.

　　

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well. Divide the spaghetti among four shallow bowls and top with the meatballs and sauce. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

　　[The Deen Bros. Take It Easy](http://astore.amazon.com/epistore-20/detail/0345513266) by Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen, and Melissa Clark. Copyright © 2009 Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen, and Melissa Clark. Published by Random House Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Jamie and Bobby Deen grew up in Georgia—first in Albany and then in Savannah—and, like many Southerners, they have always considered cooking and food a big part of their lives. When their mother, Paula Deen, started a sandwich delivery business in 1989, the boys took charge of deliveries. As the business grew into The Lady restaurant, they continued to help. Then, in 1996, the trio opened The Lady & Sons Restaurant to resounding success. They haven't looked back since. They regularly appear on ABC's Good Morning America and had their own Food Network show, Road Tasted.Melissa Clark has written for The New York Times, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and Real Simple and has collaborated on twenty-one books.