Looking for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than this simple and delicious recipe for rigatoni with meatballs. Picture this: perfectly cooked rigatoni noodles coated in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, accompanied by tender and juicy homemade meatballs. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Let’s begin!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the sugar. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the rigatoni pasta on a plate or in a bowl, top with the meatballs and tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce. Feel free to customize the meatballs by adding minced onions or herbs of your choice. Serve the dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply reheat the pasta and meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra tomato sauce if needed.
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
