There’s something comforting and classic about a plate of linguine and meatballs. This dish pairs tender, flavorful beef meatballs with perfectly cooked linguine, all coated in a rich and savory marinara sauce. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this recipe delivers on both taste and simplicity.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Linguine:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- Salt for pasta water
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, being careful not to pack them too tightly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Gently place the browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the meatballs to cook through.
- Cook the Linguine:
- While the meatballs are simmering, cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Toss the cooked linguine with the marinara sauce and meatballs. Make sure everything is well-coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added flavor.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious linguine and beef meatballs!
