This hearty and comforting dish combines juicy meatballs with a rich tomato sauce and pasta for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (350g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined.
- Roll into small, even-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked. Stir in fresh basil.
- Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve topped with the meatballs, extra sauce, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sear the meatballs and deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the sauce.
- Make it lighter by using turkey or chicken for the meatballs.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Enjoy your delicious meatball pasta!