meatball pasta sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meatball pasta sauce recipe

I’ve been making this meatball pasta sauce recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is a winner in our household.

I love how easy it is to make, too – just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer away. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Sunday dinner.

My kids adore helping me mix the meatball mixture, and they always get excited when they see the finished dish. As for me, I appreciate how healthy this recipe is – the lean ground beef and turkey sausage make it a great option for families looking for a balanced meal.

Plus, the homemade pasta sauce is packed with veggies and spices, so you can feel good about what you’re serving up. This recipe has become a staple in our house, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – serve it with spaghetti, linguine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

And don’t even get me started on leftovers – this dish freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week long.

Classic Meatball Pasta Sauce

4.7 from 900 votes

A hearty and flavorful meatball pasta sauce recipe that combines tender meatballs with a rich tomato sauce, perfect for serving over your favorite pasta. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp sugar

For Serving

12 oz pasta
grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
7Remove from the oven and set aside.
8While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onions are translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
10Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
11Stir well to combine.
12Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, gently stir to coat them evenly.
14Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
15Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
16Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
17Drain and set aside.
18Serve the meatball pasta sauce over the cooked pasta, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
19Enjoy your homemade meatball pasta sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large pot

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For added flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs into the meatball mixture.

Watch Video Of How Classic Meatball Pasta Sauce Works

This meatball pasta sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on the stovetop with some extra marinara sauce if needed.

Serve over spaghetti or linguine for a classic Italian feel, or try zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball Pasta Sauce

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

I recommend using a hearty, short pasta shape like penne or rigatoni – they hold onto the sauce perfectly.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey sausage?

Sure thing! Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I store leftover meatball pasta sauce?

Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the meatball mixture?

Go ahead and experiment! Some ideas include chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms – just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed.

Q: Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the sauce?

Nope! Simply add them straight into the pot and let them cook through with the sauce.

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