meatball and noodle recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meatball and noodle recipe

I’ve been making this meatball and noodle recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful sauce, and springy noodles is a winning combination that never fails to impress.

My family loves it when I make this dish for dinner, and it’s also a great option for a potluck or family gathering. I’ve learned that the key to making this recipe truly shine is in the technique – using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to brown the meatballs properly makes all the difference in the flavor and texture of the final product.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to customize to suit your tastes – want more spice? Add some red pepper flakes.

Want a creamier sauce? Mix in some sour cream or Greek yogurt.

The possibilities are endless, and that’s part of what makes this recipe so beloved in my household. Over the years, I’ve also discovered that this dish is not just delicious, but also surprisingly healthy – packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the vegetables and whole grains used in the sauce.

As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinner ideas. Whether you’re serving it up at home or taking it on the go, this meatball and noodle recipe is sure to become a staple in your household as well.

Hearty Meatball and Noodle Bowl

4.7 from 1758 votes

A comforting bowl of tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over a bed of egg noodles. This dish is a satisfying weeknight meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce and Noodles

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz wide egg noodles
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5Roll the mixture into 1.
5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F).
7Remove from oven and set aside.
8While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
9Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
10Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
11Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
12Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
13Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
14Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
15Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 6-8 minutes, until al dente.
16Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
17Add the baked meatballs to the simmering sauce.
18Gently stir to coat them evenly, then cover the skillet and cook for 5 more minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
19The sauce should be thickened and the meatballs heated through.
20To serve, divide the cooked egg noodles among four bowls.
21Spoon the meatballs and sauce over the noodles.
22Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Large pot for boiling noodles
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 890mg🌾Total Carbs: 58g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute whole wheat egg noodles for added fiber. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Hearty Meatball and Noodle Bowl Works

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – whether you’re refrigerating leftovers for up to 3 days or freezing individual portions for later use, this dish is perfect for meal prep.

When reheating leftovers, be sure to add a bit of water or broth to keep things moist – you can also try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.

When serving at home, consider pairing with some crusty bread or garlic knots for a fun twist on dinner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Meatball and Noodle Bowl

What type of noodles should I use in this recipe?

I like to use egg noodles or rice noodles because they hold up well to the flavorful sauce and don’t get mushy like other types of noodles might. However, feel free to experiment with different types of noodles to find your favorite!

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just be sure to cook them through before serving.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

To prevent the noodles from sticking together, try cooking them until they’re just al dente before adding them to the sauce – this will help them retain their texture. You can also try adding a bit of oil or butter to the saucepan before adding the cooked noodles.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While traditional beef meatballs are delicious, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I reheat leftover meatballs?

To reheat leftover meatballs, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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