Pasta with meatballs

Cookinero 28 Feb 2025

Pasta is central to Italian cuisine. One of the most popular recipes is pasta with meatballs. It is easy to prepare and consists of only three ingredients: meatballs, spaghetti and tomato sauce. The dish is filling, tasty and aromatic. This pasta is perfect for a family or romantic dinner. Your family and friends will be delighted and will definitely want more.

How to cook Pasta with meatballs

Step 1

Pasta with meatballs

Finely chop the onion.

Step 2

Pasta with meatballs

In a deep bowl, combine the minced meat and chopped onion.

Step 3

Pasta with meatballs

Add the egg, spices and herbs to the minced meat and mix well.

Step 4

Pasta with meatballs

Form small balls from the minced meat and roll them in flour.

Step 5

Pasta with meatballs

Now blanch the tomatoes – this is necessary to remove the skin. When the water in the saucepan boils, lower the tomatoes into the boiling water for a minute. Then drain the boiling water and pour ice water over the tomatoes. As a result of this process, the skin will begin to peel off the tomatoes.

Step 6

Pasta with meatballs

Peel the tomatoes.

Step 7

Pasta with meatballs

Cut the tomatoes into small cubes.

Step 8

Pasta with meatballs

Heat a frying pan, pour in vegetable oil and fry the meatballs over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9

Pasta with meatballs

Dilute tomato paste in a small amount of water.

Step 10

Pasta with meatballs

Pour tomato sauce over meatballs.

Step 11

Pasta with meatballs

Add peeled and chopped tomatoes and stir. Reduce heat and simmer meatballs in sauce for 10 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 12

Pasta with meatballs

While the meatballs are stewing, cook the spaghetti. Drop them into boiling water and cook for the time indicated on the package until al dente.

Step 13

Pasta with meatballs

Drain the cooked spaghetti in a colander. No need to rinse them!

Step 14

Pasta with meatballs

Add the spaghetti to the meatballs in the sauce and stir. Done.

Step 15

Pasta with meatballs

Serve the dish garnished with a sprig of greenery. Enjoy your meal.

Pasta with meatballs - FAQ About Ingredients, Baking Time and Storage

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives to beef and will work well in this recipe. Just ensure they're cooked thoroughly (165°F internal temperature).
Replace the meatballs with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or store-bought vegetarian meatballs. Use vegetable broth if needed for thinning the sauce.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Yes! Freeze them separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, adding fresh-cooked pasta.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats in the meatballs, and substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free spaghetti.
Classic Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley are ideal. Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried versions work too (use half the amount).
Absolutely! Canned diced or crushed tomatoes save time. Use about 14 oz (400g) and skip the blanching/peeling steps.
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the richness. For wine, try a medium-bodied red like Chianti.

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