1. Setting the Scene.

It was a cold evening, and the family was craving comfort food. The request: spaghetti. Chef Josh took it up a notch by turning it into a “fancy” outdoor version, made from scratch on the Blackstone.

2. Prepping the Sauce.

He started by heating oil and tossing on chopped onions to soften and caramelize. While they cooked, a pot was set on the side burner for the sauce base:

• Diced tomatoes

• Tomato sauce

• Tomato paste

• One cup of Merlot (for depth and sweetness)

To season, he added:

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

• Italian seasoning

• Crushed red pepper

• A pinch of sugar, plus salt and pepper

Once the onions turned golden, he added lots of garlic, transferring the mixture into the simmering sauce for that classic, homemade richness.

3. Making the Meatballs.

In a large bowl, Chef Josh combined:

• Ground beef

• Two eggs

• Garlic and onion powder

• Crushed red pepper

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper

He melted butter with a bit of garlic and mixed it into the meat mixture for extra flavor and moisture. Once shaped, the meatballs were browned on the griddle until golden and fully cooked through.

4. Finishing Touches.

The meatballs were added straight into the tomato sauce to simmer together, soaking up all that flavor. Meanwhile, garlic butter bread was toasted to a perfect golden brown — “tucked into bed,” as Chef Josh put it — ready to serve alongside the pasta.

5. The Taste Test.

The final plate came together beautifully: al dente spaghetti topped with thick, rich tomato sauce and juicy meatballs, served with warm garlic bread. The smoky flavor from the Blackstone added a unique depth you can’t get from a stovetop.

6. Tips for Viewers.

• Use a red wine you’d actually drink. It adds flavor, not bitterness.

• Don’t skip the sugar. A small pinch balances the acidity of the tomato.

• Try outdoor cooking. The Blackstone adds a subtle smoky note that transforms a simple meal.

• Add veggies. Mushrooms, peppers, or spinach would blend perfectly into the sauce.

• Double the recipe. Meatballs freeze well — perfect for a quick future dinner.

7. Final Thoughts.

Chef Josh’s “fancy spaghetti” proved that even the simplest comfort food can feel gourmet when made with care. It’s a perfect family meal — warm, flavorful, and a little messy in all the right ways.