Ingredients
All'Amatriciana Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 ounces pancetta, diced
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
Meatballs:
- 1 small (6-ounce) onion, grated
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1/4 cup
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 1/4 cup
- 1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 8 ounces ground veal
- 2 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 (1/2-inch) cubes
- 1 pound bucatini or other long pasta
Directions
For the sauce: In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and reserve. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the cooked pancetta. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
For the meatballs: Position an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the onion, 1/2 cup parsley, 2/3 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the beef and veal. Using your hands, combine all ingredients gently but thoroughly. Shape the meat mixture into 16 (1 1/2-inch-diameter) meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside. Reform the meatball so that the mozzarella is completely covered with the meat mixture. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes until cooked through.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and place in a large serving bowl. Add the meatballs and sauce. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and Parmesan.
Photo: Bucatini All'Amatriciana with Spicy Smoked Mozzarella Meatballs Recipe

















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By CurvyGurl
Cleveland, OH
on April 21, 2013
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Before she even finished chewing the first bite, my daughter declared this a keeper. The rest of the meal was abnormally quiet as everyone focused all energies on mass consumption of this dish. When the final forkfull disappeared, and the family glanced forlornly at the empty dish, the only question was, "When will you make this again?"
I did use a Tbsp of white wine vinegar and a couple glugs of white wine as the sauce was a little flat without it. I also cut way back on the salt and added 2 Tbsps of sugar. And I subbed pork for veal, and fresh mozz for the smoked in the meatballs. I will double the sauce next time, but otherwise I think the recipe is perfect. Yum!
By isntshelovely
on March 04, 2013
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Meatballs were amazing even without stuffing with cheese, didn't make the sauce/pasta. These were delish!
By baknfool
on February 20, 2013
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I was so inspired by the video that I had to try it! It was so good I took some to my sister with some fresh baked bread. Can't wait to hear if she liked as well as I did! The flavors were the best ever!
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