meatballs and pasta

Winston Salem, NC
Updated on Feb 26, 2012

When craving a really simple but tasty Italian dish, this one hits the spot. Can be used with any pasta...I used whole wheat spaghetti. If you have a large bunch to feed, just double everything listed here.

prep time 20 Min
cook time 40 Min
method Bake
yield

Ingredients

  • FOR THE SAUCE
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 - onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
  • 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • FOR THE MEATBALLS
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 pound spaghetti (or any other pasta)
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

How To Make meatballs and pasta

  • Step 1
    In a large dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil, onions and oregano. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cook one minute more.
  • Step 2
    Add tomato paste and cook for about five minutes, stirring often. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes,water, salt and pepper. Turn heat to low and simmer, stirring every ten minutes or so.
  • Step 3
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
  • Step 4
    Place meat in a large mixing bowl and add next seven ingredients. Mix well by hand. Scoop meat out with an ice cream scoop or something similar size, shape the balls and place on the aluminum foil.
  • Step 5
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, then add cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce.Continue simmering while you prepare the spaghetti.
  • Step 6
    Prepare spaghetti (or other pasta) according to directions. Drain, place meatballs and sauce on top and add shredded parmesan on top of that. Enjoy.

Discover More

Category: Beef
Category: Pasta
Culture: Italian
Ingredient: Beef
Method: Bake

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