Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 35 min
  • Active: 35 min
Pasta with meatballs is a classic. This version is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as the small meatballs are quick to come together, then simply broiled. Simmer the meatballs in a creamy tomato sauce, then toss with thick rigatoni pasta and finish with grated Parmesan.
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

1 small onion

3 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

8 ounces ground beef

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

1 large egg

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

3/4 cup heavy cream

12 ounces rigatoni

Directions

  1. Preheat the broiler. Lightly brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a separate large pot over medium heat. Chop half the onion and grate 2 garlic cloves. Add to the pot with the oil; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste until toasted, 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups water; reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced slightly, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, grate the remaining onion and garlic clove into a medium bowl. Add the beef, 1/4 cup Parmesan, the breadcrumbs, egg and a big pinch each of salt and pepper; mix well. Roll the meat into twenty 1-inch meatballs. Arrange on the baking sheet and broil until browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Stir the heavy cream into the tomato sauce. Transfer the meatballs to the sauce; simmer gently while you cook the pasta.
  5. Salt the boiling water well and add the pasta. Cook as the label directs for al dente; drain. Add the pasta to the sauce and cook, stirring, until well coated, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Serve with more Parmesan.

Let's Get Cooking!

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cmcarey62

We liked this fast and easy weeknight dinner. I had 1/2 pound of ground beef leftover from making nachos, so this was the perfect use-up for the rest of the package. I added some basil and Italian seasoning.

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