Linguine with Beef Meatballs
This Linguine with Beef Meatballs is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings classic Italian comfort food to your table. The tender beef meatballs, infused with aromatic shallots, garlic, and pecorino cheese, are simmered to perfection in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, creating a delightful blend of savory flavors.
Served over al dente linguine, this meal is both satisfying and indulgent, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
The dish is beautifully garnished with fresh parsley, basil leaves, and a sprinkle of grated pecorino cheese, enhancing its visual appeal and taste. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Linguine with Beef Meatballs in Tomato and Red Wine Sauce is sure to become a beloved dish for several delicious reasons, making it a standout option for any meal. Here’s why people will love this recipe:
Rich and Savory Flavors
The combination of ground beef, aromatic shallots, and garlic creates flavorful meatballs that are perfectly complemented by the rich tomato and red wine sauce. The depth of flavor from the red wine enhances the dish, making it comforting and satisfying.
Hearty and Filling
This dish is a complete meal that is hearty and filling, thanks to the combination of protein from the meatballs and carbohydrates from the linguine. It’s perfect for those looking for a satisfying dinner that will keep them full and content.
Homemade Goodness
Making this dish from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and adjust flavors to your liking. The satisfaction of creating delicious meatballs and sauce in your own kitchen adds a personal touch, making the meal feel special and rewarding.
Versatile and Family-Friendly
Linguine with beef meatballs appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a great option for family dinners. Kids and adults alike enjoy the classic combination of pasta and meatballs, and it’s a dish that can easily be customized with different herbs or spices to suit individual preferences.
Perfect for Sharing
This recipe is ideal for sharing at gatherings or dinner parties. The comforting nature of the dish encourages people to gather around the table, making it a wonderful choice for creating memorable moments with family and friends.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: The primary protein source for the meatballs, providing rich flavor and a hearty texture that forms the foundation of the dish.
Ground Sausage: Optional, but adding ground sausage can enhance the flavor of the meatballs with additional seasonings and richness.
Shallot and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and savory notes to the meatballs and sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Tomato Sauce: A key component of the sauce, providing acidity and richness. The use of canned tomatoes helps create a smooth and flavorful base.
Red Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce, enriching the flavor and creating a more sophisticated taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is mixed into the ricotta filling for the meatballs and used as a garnish, contributing a salty and nutty flavor that complements the dish.
Seasonings (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper): These spices enhance the flavor of both the meatballs and the sauce, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious dish.
Linguine Pasta: The perfect vessel for the sauce and meatballs, this pasta provides a satisfying base and absorbs the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Linguine with Beef Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
200g ground beef
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
50g pecorino cheese, grated
1 slice sourdough bread, soaked in milk and then squeezed dry
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
For the Sauce:
400g tin of chopped tomatoes
1 basil stalk (or a few fresh basil leaves)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon beef fat (or any cooking oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
Chopped parsley
Grated pecorino cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped shallot, minced garlic, grated pecorino cheese, soaked sourdough, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat beef fat or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and add the red wine and basil stalk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Cover and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Cook the Linguine
While the meatballs are simmering, cook the linguine according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Serve
Toss the cooked linguine with the tomato and red wine sauce and meatballs.
Garnish with chopped parsley, additional grated pecorino cheese, and fresh basil leaves before serving.
Enjoy!
This Linguine with Beef Meatballs in Tomato and Red Wine Sauce is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of savory meatballs and rich sauce makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Notes:
Choosing the Right Meat:
Using a combination of ground beef and ground sausage can add extra flavor and richness to the meatballs. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
Browning the Meatballs:
Make sure to brown the meatballs well in the skillet to enhance their flavor through the Maillard reaction. This step adds depth to the overall taste of the dish.
Cooking the Pasta:
Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining, as it can be used to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency:
If the tomato sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. This will help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
Seasoning the Sauce:
Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or Italian herbs based on your preferences.
Letting the Flavors Meld:
Allow the sauce to simmer for a bit to let the flavors meld together. The longer it simmers, the more pronounced the flavors will become. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes for optimal taste.
Garnishing:
When serving, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. This enhances the dish visually and adds freshness.
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover linguine and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 400 | Protein: 25 grams | Total Fat: 20 grams | Saturated Fat: 8 grams | Cholesterol: 70 milligrams | Carbohydrates: 35 grams | Dietary Fiber: 2 grams | Sugars: 4 grams | Sodium: 600 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly, so consider adding extra seasoning or spices to enhance the taste.
How can I make the meatballs juicier?
To make the meatballs juicier, you can add a splash of milk or an additional egg to the mixture.
Additionally, incorporating breadcrumbs soaked in milk or using a combination of meats (like beef and pork) can help retain moisture.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
While linguine is the traditional choice, you can use other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne based on your preference.
Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance.
Form them and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.
You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for later use. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Additionally, the meatballs should be browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.
Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought meatballs to save time.
Just heat them according to the package instructions and add them to the sauce in the final stages of cooking.
This option is convenient and still allows you to enjoy the flavors of the sauce without the extra preparation.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart while cooking?
To help prevent meatballs from falling apart, make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined.
Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs.
Additionally, chilling the meatballs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking can help them hold their shape better during cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by using plant-based ground meat alternatives or lentils instead of ground beef.
For the sauce, ensure that the tomato sauce and broth are vegetarian-friendly.
You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have red wine?
If you don’t have red wine on hand, you can substitute it with beef broth, grape juice, or a mixture of vinegar and water (for acidity).
While the flavor may differ slightly, these alternatives can still create a delicious sauce.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover Linguine with Beef Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture if needed.
You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.