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Easy Meatballs And Pasta Recipe

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Meatball Pasta Bake The Cooking Jar
Meatball Pasta Bake The Cooking Jar from thecookingjar.com

Description

This is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, and are cooked in a simple tomato sauce. The pasta is cooked separately and then tossed with the meatballs and sauce. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound spaghetti

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Frying pan
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  3. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and let simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  6. While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions.
  7. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and add it to the meatballs and tomato sauce. Toss well to combine.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Info

One serving of this recipe (1/6th of the total) contains approximately:
  • Calories: 492
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 537mg

Recipes FAQ

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any type of pasta will work well with this recipe. Try using penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Or, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure to use lean ground beef (90% or higher) to keep the dish from being too greasy.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato sauce in a blender or food processor before adding the meatballs.
  • Don't overwork the meatball mixture when forming the meatballs, as this can make them tough. Just mix until everything is combined.
  • If you're short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs instead of making your own.

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