Pasta With Meatballs

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
Hearty homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over tender pasta for a classic comfort meal.
Pasta With Meatballs recipe image

Pasta With Meatballs

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 21.6

Description

This classic Italian-American dish features juicy, herb-spiced meatballs nestled in a savory tomato sauce and served over al dente pasta. The meatballs are typically made from a blend of ground beef and pork, bound with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for maximum flavor and tenderness. The sauce, enriched with onions, garlic, and a splash of Marsala wine, simmers gently to meld the flavors together. It is a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The combination of rich sauce and tender pasta creates a warm, inviting dinner that feels like home-cooked comfort food at its best. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete experience.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until just mixed.
  3. Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, add crushed plum tomatoes and Marsala wine to the skillet.
  6. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and sauce has thickened.
  7. Cook vermicelli pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
  8. Serve the pasta topped with the meatballs and sauce, garnished with crumbled bacon and additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 21.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 6.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 4.7g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
Sugars 3.1g
Protein 1.1g3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ingredient substitutions: If you cannot find fresh plum tomatoes, high-quality canned crushed tomatoes are an excellent alternative.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

Variations: For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce at the end of cooking. You can also swap vermicelli for spaghetti or penne.

Tip: Do not overmix the meatball mixture, or the meatballs may become tough. Handle gently when forming.

Keywords: italian, meatballs, pasta, tomato sauce, comfort food, beef, pork, garlic, onion, herbs, parmesan, dinner, family meal, easy, classic, homemade, savory, marinara, vermicelli, bacon
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