Prep Time 25 Min
Cook Time 30 Min
Servings4 servings People
Calories600 kcal
Pasta with meatballs is a classic dish that brings warmth to any dinner table. I often prepare it for my family on weekends. The combination of juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce pairs beautifully with pasta. I like to use fettuccine, but any pasta will work fine. One thing I’ve noticed is that browning the meatballs well can really enhance their flavor; a little char makes a big difference. This dish is straightforward to put together and is perfect for when you want something satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 10.5 oz ground beef
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper paste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 chicken broth cube
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- A sprinkle of parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with grated onion, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, then brown the meatballs on all sides and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add red pepper paste, tomato paste, and chicken broth cube, stirring well, then add the tomato sauce and mix.
- Pour in water or reserved pasta cooking water, season with dried thyme and black pepper, and let sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce, add the drained pasta, and combine well. Let it all warm together for about a minute before stirring in the parsley.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
What I Notice When Cooking
- Making sure to brown the meatballs creates a delightful depth of flavor.
- The texture of the pasta can really make or break this dish; al dente is the way to go for a nice bite.
- This dish is always a hit with my family, especially when served with a simple side salad.
Small Adjustments
- If you’re in a hurry, using pre-made meatballs is an option, but make sure they are flavorful.
- Keep an eye on the sauce while it simmers; you don’t want it to reduce too much.
- For a twist, you can add some grated cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.
Storage and Reheating
This pasta dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. It reheats well on the stove, but you may need to add a splash of water or sauce to loosen it up.
Nutritional Notes
Each serving is approximately 600 calories, which varies based on the choice of pasta and portion sizes. It’s a heartwarming meal, but keeping an eye on serving sizes is always a good idea.
