Meatball Pasta
User Reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
449 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Meatball Pasta
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This Meatball Pasta recipe is easy to make with mini meatballs tossed in a creamy homemade tomato sauce with mozzarella cheese and your pasta of choice!
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Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- ¾ cups half and half
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ chicken bouillon cube see notes
- ¾ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, basil, parsley
Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers can sub Italian breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons half and half can sub milk
- 1 egg whisked
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder
Pasta, etc.
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 ¼ cups mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
- ½ lb. orecchiette pasta see notes
- freshly grated parmesan for serving
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Instructions
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.
- Add the meatball ingredients to a large bowl and mix gently until just combined, don’t overwork the meat or the meatballs will be tough.
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs (no larger), and transfer to a large, light-colored, lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Optional: Broil at 475° F for up to 1 minute to brown the tops. Use a slotted spatula to transfer to a plate.
- While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the combined sauce mixture (from step 1). Add the tomato sauce and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and bring it back to a boil. Cook uncovered according to package instructions. Slide a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot throughout cooking to lift any pasta that may be settling.
- Taste-test the pasta for doneness before proceeding.
- Add the meatballs and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the cheese, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and serve with grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Pro Tips:
- Storage:
- Nutritional information is an estimate and is per serving. This recipe makes 6 servings.
- Bouillon cube: ½ chicken bouillon cube adds a savory flavor contrast to the beef broth. Beef bouillon may be used as well, I use ½ tsp. of Better Than Bouillon. This ingredient can be omitted if preferred/needed.
- Tomato Paste: I use Mutti Tomato Paste tubes, they’re handy for measuring smaller/customized amounts.
- Mozzarella: Low moisture, whole milk mozzarella is best for this recipe. (Don't use fresh.) Shred it from a block vs. using packaged shredded cheese so that it melts well. I use Galbani or Dragone.
- Parmesan: Grate the cheese from a wedge if possible. I use Belgioioso Parmesan cheese.
- Pasta: A variety of pasta choices are great for this recipe, choose something that cooks around 9 minutes or so. Penne, Rotini, and Ziti are other great options!
- Meatballs: Feel free to use a combination of ground beef, pork, and sausage. I kept it simple here by using only ground beef for busy weeknight cooking.
- Short on Time? Try this with frozen mini meatballs and bake them according to package instructions, then toss into the sauce at the end!
- Serve this Meatball Pasta with my Garlic Bread With Cheese!
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Leftover freeze/reheat well.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
449kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
38g
(13%)
Protein
31g
(62%)
Fat
19g
(29%)
Saturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Trans Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
112mg
(37%)
Sodium
1029mg
(43%)
Potassium
682mg
(19%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
651IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
221mg
(22%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 449 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 449kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 112mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 1029mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 682mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 651IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 221mg | 22% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
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