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meatball pasta

Meatball Pasta

A comforting dish featuring mini beef meatballs, creamy tomato sauce, and tender pasta, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Soup Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 3/4 cup half and half
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cube chicken bouillon
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or Italian breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons half and half or milk
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 lb. orecchiette pasta or any short pasta
  • Fresh grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large cup, combine all sauce ingredients and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, Parmesan, egg, garlic, half and half, and seasonings. Mix gently to combine.
  • Roll mixture into small 1-inch meatballs and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, broil for 1 minute for a golden top if desired.
  • In a soup pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the sauce mixture and tomato sauce to the pot, bring to a boil. Add pasta directly to the pot and cook uncovered, stirring often.
  • Once pasta is cooked, add baked meatballs to the pot and stir gently. Sprinkle in mozzarella while stirring until melted and creamy.
  • Serve in bowls with freshly grated Parmesan on top.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Keyword Meatballs, pasta