italian meatball pasta recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best italian meatball pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: Italian Meatball Pasta. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser.

My kids love helping me mix together the meatballs and rolling them out into perfect little spheres. And let me tell you, the aroma that fills the kitchen while they’re cooking is just heavenly. The combination of the rich tomato sauce, the savory meatballs, and the perfectly cooked pasta is just a match made in heaven.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress. Whether we’re having a family dinner or entertaining guests, this Italian Meatball Pasta is always a hit. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – I’ve served it with a side of garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or even as a main course with a simple green salad.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time and reheat for later. I love that I can prep the ingredients in advance and then just toss everything together in one big pot.

It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook from scratch. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with lean ground beef and whole wheat pasta, this dish is a nutritious choice for our family. We’ve even started serving it at our weekly potluck gatherings at church, where it’s always devoured in minutes.

So if you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, look no further than this Italian Meatball Pasta.

Italian Meatball Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 673 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring hearty meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, served over al dente pasta. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1 cup beef broth

For the Pasta

1 lb spaghetti
Salt for pasta water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4Form the meat mixture into meatballs about 1.
5 inches in diameter.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching.
6Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with internal temperature of 160°F.
7While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
10Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red wine (if using) to the skillet.
11Stir well to combine.
12Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Stir in the beef broth and bring the sauce back to a simmer.
14Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged.
15Cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
16While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
17Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
18Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
19If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
20Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Skillet
Saucepan
Baking sheet
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 60g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a mix of ground beef and turkey for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms.

Watch Video Of How Italian Meatball Pasta Recipe Works

This Italian Meatball Pasta recipe has become a staple in our household over the years, and for good reason – it’s incredibly easy to make and always impresses our family and friends alike!

One thing I love about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply portion out individual servings and freeze them for later use when you need a quick meal.

Another great benefit is how versatile it is – serve it as an appetizer with some crusty bread or garlic knots on the side, or as a main course with a simple green salad.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Meatball Pasta

1.

What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?

I recommend using lean ground beef for this recipe – you can also substitute in some chopped veggies like onions or bell peppers if you want to add some extra nutrients.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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