Meatball Pasta

Meatball Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs with pasta, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying family meal, offering a delicious blend of savory meat, fresh peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs.

With a simple cooking process and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a go-to option for any weeknight dinner, providing a comforting and wholesome dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Meatball Pasta

Ingredients:

16 Meatballs

150g Pasta or Spaghetti

2 Peppers (choose your preferred colors)

1 Onion

2 Cloves of Garlic (or 2 tsp Garlic Granules)

2 tsp Paprika

1/2 tsp Dried Mixed Herbs

1 Beef Stock Cube dissolved in 125ml Boiling Water

500g Passata

Salt & Pepper to taste

Frylight (or your preferred cooking spray)

Instructions:

Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water and let it simmer until tender.

Spray a pan with Frylight and add the meatballs, cooking them until browned for about 5 minutes.

While the meatballs cook, chop the peppers and onion.

Add the onions, peppers, garlic, paprika, dried mixed herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until softened.

Pour in the beef stock and half of the passata, then cover the pan and let everything simmer until the vegetables are tender and the liquid reduces slightly.

Stir in the remaining passata and the drained pasta. Keep the heat on medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the dish is fully cooked through.

Notes:

Meatball Options: You can use store-bought meatballs for convenience or make homemade meatballs using your favorite recipe. Turkey or chicken meatballs also work well for a lighter version.

Pasta Choices: This recipe works with any type of pasta. Spaghetti, penne, or even fusilli will hold the sauce nicely.

Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and nutrients.

Spice Level: Adjust the paprika and garlic to your preferred spice level. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of chili flakes.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve with pasta.

Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure the meatballs and stock cube are gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.

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Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs.

Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking, and adjust the browning time in the pan accordingly.

Can I substitute the meatballs with a plant-based option?

Absolutely! You can use plant-based or vegetarian meatballs instead of traditional meatballs.

Adjust the cooking time as necessary, as plant-based options may cook faster.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any type of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s instructions.

Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely. You can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of passata?

Yes, jarred pasta sauce can be used in place of passata.

Just be mindful of the seasoning and salt content, as jarred sauces may already contain spices and salt.

How long does this dish take to cook?

The total cook time is around 30-40 minutes, depending on how quickly you brown the meatballs and cook the vegetables.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well.

Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with Meatball Pasta?

You can serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too dry?

If the sauce starts to thicken too much, you can add a splash of water or extra stock to loosen it up while cooking.

Keep stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.