Otto — your AI sous chef
Sign InGet Started
Spiced Beef Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Penne

Spiced Beef Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Penne

Dinner
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
25min
Servings
4
Calories
625
Cook this with Otto

Free account. Otto builds a week around this recipe, with the shopping list done.

Chef's Note

Don't overmix the meatball mixture—overworking the meat makes them dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed. For extra flavor, reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water and stir it into the sauce to thin it slightly if needed, which also helps the sauce cling to the penne.

Tags
beef
meatballs
Italian-inspired
weeknight dinner
tomato sauce
pasta
spiced
Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1 whole egg

  • 0.5 medium onion, yellow

  • 3 whole garlic cloves

  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes

  • 1 lb penne pasta

  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley

Instructions
  • 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

  • 2

    While water heats, finely dice the onion (about 1/4 cup) and mince the garlic cloves (about 1 TBSP).

  • 3

    In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 0.5 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, the diced onion, minced garlic, 1.5 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.

  • 4

    Form the mixture into 16-20 meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a plate.

  • 5

    Heat 2 TBSP oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • 6

    Working in batches if needed, add the meatballs to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on the outside (about 6-8 minutes total). Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate.

  • 7

    Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes to the same skillet, stirring to combine with any browned bits. Return the meatballs to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.

  • 8

    Simmer the meatballs in sauce for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

  • 9

    While the meatballs simmer, add 1 lb penne to the boiling water and cook according to package directions (usually 9-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and reserve 0.5 cup pasta water.

  • 10

    Chop 0.25 cup fresh parsley.

  • 11

    Transfer cooked penne to serving bowls or a large platter. Top with the spiced meatballs and tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (per serving)
625
Calories
32g
Protein
68g
Carbs
18g
Fat
Reviews (0)
No reviews yet

Be the first to review this recipe!