Melting Meatballs with Pasta Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Melting Meatballs with Pasta, a delightful creation perfect for your next family dinner or gathering. This recipe combines tender meatballs infused with gooey mozzarella, nestled in a savory tomato sauce, and served over al dente pappardelle pasta. Embrace the warmth and comfort of European-inspired cuisine with this easy-to-make dish that promises to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Details:
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Preparation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 833.4
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 1
Ingredients:
- 100g mozzarella cheese, cut into little chunks
- 500g lean ground beef
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 30g garlic, minced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 500g pappardelle pasta
- 250g pasta sauce (tomato passata)
- 100g fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Begin by cutting the mozzarella cheese into little chunks, ensuring you have one for each meatball.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef with salt, pepper, cumin, and dried thyme.
- Crack the egg into the bowl and thoroughly mix all ingredients together, using your hands for best results.
-
Shape the Meatballs:
- Keep a bowl of water nearby to wet your hands as needed during the shaping process.
- Take a portion of the meat mixture in your hand and flatten it slightly with your palm.
- Place a chunk of mozzarella cheese on top and gently encase it with the meat, rolling until you form a walnut-sized ball.
- Repeat this process until all meatballs are formed, then place them on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for one hour to set.
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and half of the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped red onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Carefully add the chilled meatballs to the pan and cook for approximately five minutes, allowing them to develop a golden, crispy exterior while stirring gently.
-
Simmer with Sauce:
- Pour the tomato passata over the meatballs, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
-
Prepare the Pasta:
- While the meatballs simmer, cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection.
- Drain the cooked pasta well, then toss it in a bowl with the remaining butter to prevent sticking and infuse flavor.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are tender and the sauce has thickened to perfection, add the cooked pasta to the pan.
- Gently stir the pasta into the savory tomato and meatball mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve the Melting Meatballs with Pasta hot, garnished generously with grated fresh parmesan cheese for an added layer of richness and flavor.
Keywords:
Vegetable, Meat, European, Kid Friendly, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 833.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 40.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 18.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 191.9mg
- Sodium Content: 1186.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 64g
- Fiber Content: 5.1g
- Sugar Content: 9.4g
- Protein Content: 52.5g
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Melting Meatballs with Pasta, a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together the best of savory flavors and tender textures. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight or shared with loved ones during a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit! 🍝
