The ultimate bowlful of comfort-food pasta and meatballs!
A bowlful of spaghetti and meatballs has to be one of the ultimate comfort foods, no? The only thing better, I think, is a plate of linguine and meatballs. I prefer the thick ribbons of linguine over spaghetti to hold the rich tomato sauce in this recipe, cooked al dente, of course, the way the Italians do.
Allegedly.
I’ve never actually eaten real Italian-style spaghetti and meatballs before as I’ve never really been to Italy to try it for myself. Yet! I did visit Sardinia once on a whirlwind press trip about 14 years ago, but no pasta and meatballs were served.
I plan to remedy this vast omission in my culinary sphere later on this month when I visit Italy, courtesy of Garda Trentino, the best bike resort in Italy. I will report back my findings after the trip!
I am so silly excited!
I’ve been invited by Garda Trentino to experience some of the outdoor adventures (mostly mountain biking) and food at Lake Garda, so I’ve upped my cycle training here at home so I’ll feel fit enough for the experience. The only reason I’m blogging this recipe today is that it’s too windy and rainy right now to go for a bike ride.
So yes, these Italian-style meatballs taste really rather fantastic, and they’re quite therapeutic to make too, I feel, with all the chopping and rolling, frying and gentle simmering of the sauce.
I use tins of whole Italian plum tomatoes to make my sauce, leaving them to cook over a low heat until they’re thick. The addition of a basil-infused olive oil (straight from Italy!) transforms the mixture into a gorgeous, aromatic, glossy sauce, perfect for the meatballs.
To serve, plenty of Grana Padano cheese and some freshly baked Italian ciabatta dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The ultimate comfort food recipe that my whole family loves. Sometimes, when I make the sauce, I use a chilli-infused olive oil for an extra zingy kick, and occasionally I replace the plum tomatoes with a jar of passata for a quick and easy sauce.
Honestly, it’s so good. Try it!
Do you have a special way you make your pasta and meatballs? Any tips and tricks you want to share? What’s your secret ingredient? Let me know in the comments!
Meanwhile, if you want to keep up to date on what I’m doing (I’m going on a few grand adventures this summer!) follow me on Instagram.
Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
for the meatballs
- 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for frying
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium free-range egg beaten lightly
- 500 grams Aberdeen Angus steak mince or other lean beef mince
for the rich tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 400 gram tinned Italian plum tomatoes
- 3 tbsp basil-infused olive oil I use Pomora
- sea salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
to serve
- Grana Padano cheese
Instructions
- First, get the rich tomato sauce on. Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan and gently fry the garlic and oregano for a minute or so without browning the garlic.
- Add the plum tomatoes and reduce the heat to medium-low. Leave the sauce to simmer while you prepare the meatballs.
- To prepare the meatballs, heat olive oil in a saute pan over a medium-high heat and gently saute the onions and garlic together until they begin to soften. Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for a further minute. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients along with the cooled onion mixture.
- Using your hands, work the meat so that it becomes well combined. Form into small one inch diameter meatballs - you'll make around 40 and set aside on a plate.
- Add more olive oil to the same saute pan (don't worry about cleaning it first) and gently brown the meatballs over a medium-high heat on all sides, taking care when turning them to not break them up. You'll need to do this in two batches. Add the first batch to the tomato sauce while you cook the second batch.
- When the tomato sauce is thick and reduced (take care not to break up the whole tomatoes while stirring) remove from the heat and stir in the basil-infused olive oil.
- Serve the meatballs with linguine or spaghett and a generous sprinkle of Grana Padano cheese.
OTHER MEATBALL RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Grandma Ann’s Sweet n’ Sour Meatballs
Mamta Gupta’s Keema Meatball Curry
Classic Belgian Meatball Recipe
Spaghetti & Beanballs (Veggie)
Courgetti & Beetballs (Veggie)
Turkey & Chorizo Meatballs
Mexican-Spiced Cauliflower Quinoa Meatballs (Veggie)
Tuna Meatballs with Courgetti & Spaghetti
Turkey & Leek Meatballs with Tagliatelle
Spicy Njuda Meatballs
Artichoke & Spinach Polpette with Easy Marinara Sauce
Light Italian Spaghetti & Meatballs
SHOP THIS POST
Basil Infused Olive Oil from Pomora
Due Vittorie Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Ceramic Dipping Dish
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Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Sheila says
I believe nothing would beat the original Italian style pasta with meatballs.
Secret ingredient? I would love to add mushrooms.
Whitney Abigail says
Yum, those meatballs look so juicy. I’ve never made meatballs before just usually use mince. Will try this out x
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz... says
I’m a vegetarian but my kids and partner like meatballs. I usually add extra veg to the sauce which makes it less authentic š
Fashion and Style Police says
This recipe looks so delicious. I will try it.
Debitcardoffers says
Looks awesome.
Esthy says
This looks really yummy and tasty. I love spaghetti meat balls. Wow! Your images are stunning. It just makes me want to eat this right now.
Brian says
Wow, those look really terrific! I can’t wait it to eat them. Unfortunately I don’t have much time today and tomorrow, but I will have to make them. I love Italian food.
Michelle Paige says
This looks delicious! I’m not much of a cook but my boyfriend would love to make this and I’d definitely love to eat it!
Lindsey London Mumma says
I love meatballs, and been craving it, so thanks for that lo! Kind of want to lick the screen.
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
Spaghetti and meatballs are just the perfect comfort food. Nice addition of the smoked paprika too
Ana De- Jesus says
I just brought some swedish quorn meatballs so this recipe would be ideal for me to make tonight as I have all the ingredients needed. Thank you for the inspiration x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Mm You’d be crazy to pass up a cozy plate of spaghetti and meatballs!
Dannii says
It really is the ultimate comfort food isn’t it. What I love is that it is comforting and not really unhealthy either. Great post workout food.
Megan says
I love love italian food! I married into an Italian family so pasta is on the menu a lot!
Angela says
Meatballs are my weakness – this looks so good! I am going to have to try this recipe.
The Food Hunter says
This is pure comfort food for me.
Newcastle Family Life says
Oh my gosh these look amazing! My partner would love these as he adores Italian meatballs. Your photo styling is incredible, lovely photos x
Nadia says
Mmm looks so delicious! One of my top comfort foods. I also prefer linguine. I just like the thicker strands š
Janice says
Oh that looks so good, a lovely rich sauce you really can’t beat it!
Amber Myers says
Mmm, I love pasta. I must make this! It looks so delicious. I haven’t made meatballs in a while.
Cliona says
Yummy! I don’t often eat red meat but the odd time I crave something like this. I make pasta a lot and this sounds like a lovely filling and nourishing meal.
Mandee Pogue says
First of all your photos are stunning! And I have to say that this recipe reminds my of my Nona’s cooking. The one thing that intrigued me was the smoked paprika in the meatballs. I have never seen that, but I am definitely going to give it a try! Thanks so much for sharing!
The Culinary Jumble says
Oh they look delicious, and you are right, the perfect comfort food! However, as I live in Sweden, I’ve never considered meatballs to be any other than Swedish! haha
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
This dish looks perfect for a cold day. And enjoy your trip to Italy! I’ve never been either, but it’s at the top of my list.
Kellie@foodtoglow says
I’ve not had a proper meal today and this post is making me crave pasta! Making meatballs, and the artichoke and spinach balls that you kindly linked to, is so meditative. Isn’t it? I bet you don’t have any better than this on your trip. Which sounds fantastic by the way!
Cardiff Mummy Says - Cathryn says
Ooh, your upcoming trip to Italy sounds lovely. I don’t eat but my hubby loves meatballs!
Cardiff Mummy Says - Cathryn says
That should have said I don’t eat meat!!
GiGi Eats says
Honestly, I am officially craving RED MEAT and think I need to have some today!
robin rue says
I grew up in a big Italian family, so meatballs have been a staple of my life since the beginning. We have them ALL the time š
Camilla Hawkins says
Lush Elizabeth and loving the addition of smoked Paprika! Loving the styling too:-) Thanks for including my Turkey & Chorizo Meatballs?-)