TastyFoodLooking for the perfect homemade pasta with meatballs recipe that’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor? This classic Italian meatball pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy beef meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over al dente spaghetti – ideal for family dinners, romantic date nights, or meal prep. If you’ve been searching for an easy pasta with meatballs recipe, you’re in the right place!
🛒 Ingredients for Pasta with Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 500g ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g can crushed tomatoes (or passata)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or oregano (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 300–400g spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt for boiling water
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 2 minutes. Add the ground meat, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix!
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small balls (about 2–3 cm). Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides (about 5–7 minutes total). Set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft (about 3–4 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Meatballs to the Sauce
Place browned meatballs into the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the meatballs are simmering, boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently, or serve the sauce and meatballs on top of the spaghetti. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
💬 Let’s Stay in Touch!
Tried this homemade pasta with meatballs recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️