Meatball Pasta Recipe
Description
In the culinary journey of exploring time-honored dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, this Meatball Pasta recipe stands out as a beloved gem. Originating from an old paperback cookbook titled 365 Ways to Cook Hamburger, this dish encapsulates the essence of simplicity and flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency and the delightful marriage of spaghetti and meatballs, all prepared conveniently in one pot. Over the years, subtle tweaks such as using more spaghetti or opting for California Bay leaves have only enhanced its appeal. The recipe is also flexible, allowing for substitutions like dehydrated onion flakes in place of fresh onions, making it a versatile option for quick, hearty meals.
Recipe Category
One Dish Meal
Keywords
- Meat
- Potluck
- < 30 Mins
- Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 394.2 kcal
- Fat Content: 13.4 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.4 g
- Cholesterol Content: 86 mg
- Sodium Content: 1606.1 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 43 g
- Fiber Content: 2.5 g
- Sugar Content: 4.5 g
- Protein Content: 24.3 g
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Ingredients and Quantities
- 1 lb hamburger (ground beef)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped (or substitute with dehydrated onion flakes)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf (California Bay leaves preferred)
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken into 1/2 inch lengths
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hamburger, egg, chopped onion, bread crumbs, salt, thyme, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form and Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. Heat a dutch oven over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. This step adds a rich flavor and ensures the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
- Create the Sauce: Once the meatballs are browned, add water, condensed cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf to the dutch oven. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This helps to meld the flavors together, creating a savory base for the pasta.
- Add the Spaghetti: Once boiling, add the spaghetti, broken into 1/2 inch lengths. This step ensures the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the dutch oven, and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: After 30 minutes, check the doneness of the pasta. It should be tender and well-coated with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Meatball Size: For uniform cooking, ensure the meatballs are of similar size. This helps in even browning and cooking.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition and texture.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the top just before serving for a rich, cheesy finish.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a testament to the adage that simplicity often yields the most satisfying results. By combining ground beef, a few pantry staples, and a single pot, you achieve a dish that is both flavorful and easy to prepare. The method of cooking the pasta directly in the sauce not only saves time and reduces cleanup but also allows the spaghetti to soak up the rich flavors of the meatballs and tomato sauce, creating a cohesive and delicious meal.
Ideal Occasions for This Recipe
- Family Dinners: A perfect choice for a comforting weeknight dinner that brings the family together around the table.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: This dish travels well and is sure to be a hit at any potluck or social gathering.
- Meal Prep: Make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. This dish reheats well and makes for convenient, hearty lunches or dinners.
Reviews and Ratings
With an aggregated rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and positive feedback from those who have tried it, this Meatball Pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Reviewers appreciate its simplicity, flavor, and the convenience of cooking everything in one pot.
- Reviewer 1: “I love how easy this recipe is! The meatballs are flavorful, and cooking the spaghetti in the same pot saves so much time.”
- Reviewer 2: “A family favorite. I’ve made this several times, and it’s always a hit. I like to add some mushrooms and bell peppers for extra veggies.”
- Reviewer 3: “Delicious and straightforward. Perfect for busy weeknights. I used more spaghetti than the recipe called for, and it turned out great.”
- Reviewer 4: “Comfort food at its best! The meatballs are tender, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. A keeper for sure.”
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Pasta recipe is a delightful blend of ease and flavor, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Its versatility and the option to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences make it a go-to dish for various occasions. Whether you are a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is bound to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting, one-pot wonder and relish the smiles it brings to your dining table.
