Meatballs with Pasta

Meatballs with pasta is a classic, comforting dish featuring juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta. This satisfying meal is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy homemade feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, tender meatballs packed with flavor.
• A rich, homemade tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.
• Simple ingredients with easy-to-follow steps.
• Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better!
• Customizable with different meats, seasonings, and pasta types.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• Olive oil
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• Spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred pasta
• Salt (for boiling water)
• Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Directions

Making the Meatballs:

1. Mix the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Shape & Brown: Roll into 1-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Making the Sauce:

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Simmer: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Add Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and let simmer for another 15 minutes until fully cooked.

Cooking the Pasta:

6. Boil Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Serving:

7. Assemble: Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
• Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Meat Alternative: Swap beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

What’s the best pasta for meatballs?

Spaghetti is classic, but penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well too.

How do I prevent tough meatballs?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture—mix until just combined.

Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce adds more depth and freshness.

How do I make meatballs extra juicy?

Use a mix of beef and pork, and don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs.

Can I cook the meatballs directly in the sauce?

Yes, but browning them first enhances the flavor.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds great salty, nutty flavor.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, shape and refrigerate raw meatballs for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered longer or add a spoonful of tomato paste.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots add extra texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

Meatballs with pasta is a timeless, comforting dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy homemade comfort food. Try it today and enjoy every bite

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Enjoy a comforting plate of Meatballs with Pasta, featuring juicy homemade meatballs coated in a rich, flavorful sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

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Instructions

• Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs.
• Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan and cook meatballs over medium heat until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Combine: Add meatballs to the sauce and let cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Serve: Place pasta on a plate, top with meatballs and sauce, and garnish with Parmesan and basil.

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Notes

• Use ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Add grated Parmesan inside the meatball mixture for extra cheesiness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.