Craving a comforting and effortless meal? Look no further than this simple pasta and meatballs recipe! With just a few straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll indulge in a classic dish that satisfies your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or whipping up a quick and hearty midweek meal, this recipe promises to impress.
Pasta and meatballs, a timeless culinary icon, has been a staple in kitchens worldwide for generations. With its delectable combination of tender meatballs submerged in a flavorful tomato sauce and served over steaming pasta, it’s a dish that transcends time and cultures. Not only is this recipe incredibly simple to prepare, but it also offers endless possibilities for customization, making it a versatile favorite.
Before embarking on your culinary adventure, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment. You’ll need ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic, onions, crushed tomatoes, and your favorite pasta. As for equipment, a large skillet, a large pot for cooking the pasta, and a wooden spoon for stirring will suffice.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 pound pasta (any type)
How to Make:
Commence by crafting the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or beef and pork), breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Roll the meatball mixture into 1-inch balls. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate.
In the same skillet, sauté the onions until they become translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices to your taste.
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
While the meatballs simmer, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
Tips and Variations:
To add a touch of sweetness to the sauce, stir in a tablespoon of honey or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
For a richer flavor, substitute ground chuck for ground beef and add a quarter cup of grated pecorino cheese to the meatball mixture.
If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use a blender to puree a few fresh tomatoes and use that instead.
With a few simple swaps and additions, you can transform this basic recipe into a culinary masterpiece that caters to your unique palate. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and let your creativity shine through.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this simple pasta and meatballs recipe guarantees a delicious and comforting meal. Gather your loved ones, break out the cozy blankets, and savor every bite of this culinary delight!