Tagliatelle with meatballs in sauce

Delicious Recipe for Tagliatelle with Meatballs in Sauce – A Quick, Tasty, and Filling Dinner

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t dream of a perfect dinner that is quick, tasty, and filling? Tagliatelle with meatballs in sauce is exactly what you are looking for! This recipe combines the velvety texture of tagliatelle with tender meatballs, all enveloped in a flavorful tomato sauce. Ideal for a family evening or a gathering with friends, this recipe will make you shout "one more!"

The history of meatballs is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. They have evolved over time, from simple meatballs to sophisticated dishes, with each country having its own variation. Baking meatballs not only keeps them healthy but also preserves that delicious flavor that makes us fall in love with them.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (mix of beef and pork)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 small onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Salt, pepper, and thyme (to taste)

For the sauce:
- 1 can of 400 g diced tomatoes
- 100 ml tomato puree
- 1 onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 200 g tagliatelle

Preparation

1. Preparing the meatballs: Start by peeling the two potatoes and boiling them well, as for mashed potatoes. This step is essential as the potatoes add moisture and a pleasant texture to the meatballs. Once boiled, mash them with a fork or a potato masher.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, mashed potatoes, egg, finely chopped onion, and crushed garlic. Here, you can let your creativity run wild! Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix everything well with your hands or a spatula until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Forming the meatballs: From the meat mixture, form small balls, meatballs, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This baking method will make them healthier without frying them in oil.

4. Baking the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the meatballs for about 30 minutes until they are golden and firm. In the meantime, you can prepare the sauce.

5. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion along with the crushed garlic. When they start to soften and become translucent, add the diced tomatoes and tomato puree. Let them simmer together for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Boiling the sauce: After the sauce has reduced a bit, add 1 cup of water and continue to boil for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, add the baked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Boiling the tagliatelle: In a separate pot, boil the tagliatelle according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to cook them al dente for the perfect texture!

8. Serving: Once all components are ready, drain the tagliatelle and serve them hot, covered with the sauce and flavorful meatballs. Sprinkle grated parmesan or freshly chopped parsley on top, as desired. You can also add a bit of olive oil for extra flavor.

Practical tips

- Ingredient variations: If you want to customize the recipe, you can add fresh herbs to the meat mixture, such as dill or coriander. You can also try replacing the potatoes with grated zucchini for a lighter version.
- Storing the meatballs: The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making them ideal for meal prep. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken or turkey for the meatballs?
- Yes, these types of meat are excellent and offer a lighter option.
- What other side dishes pair well with the meatball sauce?
- The meatball sauce can also be served with couscous, polenta, or delicious flatbreads.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritionally balanced. The minced meat provides essential proteins, while the potatoes add complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, which contributes to heart health. Additionally, by baking the meatballs, you significantly reduce the amount of added fats.

Estimated calories: 500-600 calories per serving, depending on the amount of parmesan added.

Ideal pairings

This recipe for tagliatelle with meatballs pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, dressed with lemon and olive oil. Additionally, a bottle of white or red wine will perfectly complement the meal, adding a festive touch.

I hope you enjoy every step of this recipe and delight your family or friends with this simple yet absolutely delicious dish! Enjoy your meal!