Melting Meatballs with Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this "Melting Meatballs with Pasta" recipe, a hearty dish featuring tender, flavor-packed meatballs simmered in a rich tomato basil sauce. Made with a mouthwatering blend of ground beef and pork, accented by Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings, these meatballs are browned to perfection before soaking up the tangy, aromatic sauce. Served over a bed of al dente spaghetti and topped with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, this dish delivers a deliciously satisfying meal the whole family will love. Ready in just one hour, it’s the perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a Sunday feast. This recipe is sure to become a go-to classic in your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 0.25 cup fresh basil
• 12 ounces dried spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 4 quarts water

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a plate or tray and set aside.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned all over. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.

Step 5

Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 7

Once the meatballs are fully cooked and tender, garnish the sauce with fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked pasta. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	5921.3 grams (5921.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3855

Total Fat 179.20g	230%
Saturated Fat 61.60g	308%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 745mg	248%
Sodium 5230mg	227%
Total Carbohydrate 361.70g	132%
Dietary Fiber 28.90g	103%
Total Sugars 53.30g
Protein 213.50g	427%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 928mg	71%
Iron 25mg	138%
Potassium 4858mg	103%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.2%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 37.0%