Yes, you can prepare meatballs with pasta in advance to save time. Cook the meatballs and sauce, then let them cool. Store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to three days. Heat them on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring now and then, until hot all the way through. If the sauce has gotten too thick in the fridge, add a bit of boiling water to thin it. For the best taste, cook the pasta fresh just before you serve to make sure it is al dente.
To ensure your meatballs are tender, mix the ingredients gently until they are just combined. Overworking the mixture can result in dense meatballs. Wet your hands to shape them smoothly and avoid the mix sticking to your hands. Aim for meatballs that are the same size for even cooking; the size of a golf ball is about right.
If your pasta sauce is too watery, let it simmer without a lid on low heat. This will help some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce. You can also try mixing cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then stir it into the sauce. Keep cooking for a few more minutes until it is as thick as you like.
Here, we give you a few neat tips to help you make meatballs pasta with tomato sauce.
You can brown meatballs in the oven instead of preparing them in the pan before adding to the sauce. Shape the meat mixture into even, golf ball-sized balls and lay them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated oven, then turn them for an even crust. Bake for 10 more minutes until golden brown. Add the browned meatballs to your simmering sauce to finish cooking.
Keep your meatballs and pasta in the fridge in a sealed container for up to three days to stay fresh. If you need to store them longer, freeze the cooled meatballs and pasta in a container.
When you are ready to eat meatballs with pasta again, gently heat on the stove over medium heat until they are thoroughly hot. If the sauce has thickened, stir in a bit of water to get the right consistency. If frozen, thaw them at room temperature overnight and reheat, making sure they are hot all the way through before serving.
Our recipe for meatballs pasta with tomato sauce is a celebration of comforting flavors and textures. The combination of tomato sauce and meatballs is a classic on the dinner table. Adults and kids alike welcome the warm sauce and the savory meatballs. Although it takes a bit of time to prepare, it is a great option for a family dinner.
While every component of the dish is important, the meatballs are the highlight. These meatballs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a balanced mix of pea and meat mince along with breadcrumbs to create a satisfying texture.
The pea mince contributes a softer and smoother texture and helps retain moisture, while the meat adds its traditional juicy bite. The breadcrumbs, soaked in cooking cream with lemon zest, parsley, and fried onion, contribute a rich flavor. As the meatballs cook in butter, they caramelize and develop a subtle yet deliciously crunchy crust.
This dish offers a rich, deep taste that can rival the traditional spaghetti with meatballs.
Tomato sauce holds a cherished spot in the heart of Italian cuisine. It is one of the most popular sauces for pasta dishes and works wonderfully with meatballs and pea mince. The sauce is made from sautéed onion and garlic. When fried, they add a deep, savory flavor that balances the sweet and tangy tomatoes. Basil leaves infuse the sauce with a fresh aroma that complements the rich flavors. As the sauce simmers away, the flavors blend to create a robust sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.
One of the best ways to explore Italian cuisine is pasta dishes. So go ahead and try our recipes for spaghetti aglio e olio, pasta arrabbiata, or classic ravioli.
Cooking is about getting creative, so feel free to put your spin on the recipe. You can use a mix of beef and veal, or you can experiment with minced chicken or turkey. Both options pair well with the rich tomato sauce. You can also swap the minced peas mixture for another plant-based mince to help you make tasty meatballs.
Sauté bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion and garlic for extra layers of flavor and texture in the sauce. They will add an earthy sweetness and a bit of a bite to the sauce.
Try incorporating small chunks of mozzarella directly into the meatballs for a delightful surprise, or sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top for that creamy, melty texture we all crave. If you prefer a bolder flavor, opt for Pecorino Romano to add a sharper, saltier edge to your dish.
Fall in love with pasta all over again, as you serve your loved ones creamy dishes made richer with Puck—and your special touch. Our inspiring recipes, general guidelines, and detailed articles will set you on the path to culinary creativity. With Puck’s entire range of cooking creams and sauces that meet your high standards, you’ll love putting your personal spin on pasta.