Description
Savor tender beef meatballs baked to perfection and served in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with orecchiette pasta. This comforting Italian-American dish balances pantry staples and professional flavors, offering a high-protein, cohesively satisfying meal for families or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup crushed crackers
1 large egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup orecchiette pasta
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup half and half
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Combine ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, and spices in a bowl
Form into bite-sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet
Bake meatballs for 25-30 minutes until browned
Meanwhile, sauté garlic in a skillet, then add beef broth and tomato paste; simmer
Stir in half and half, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a creamy sauce
Boil orecchiette pasta until al dente
Combine meatballs, sauce, and pasta in a pan and toss to coat
Serve immediately with optional extra Parmesan
Notes
Crushed crackers act as a natural binder for moist meatballs
Bake meatballs and prepare sauce simultaneously to save time
Use refrigerated biscuit dough as a last-minute substitute for crushed crackers
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for dietary variety
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American