Name: Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 cloves garlic; 1 medium white or yellow onion; 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 6 sprigs fresh basil; 1 dried bay leaf; 1 pound dried orecchiette pasta; 3 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 3 slices white sandwich bread; such as Wonderbread; 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk; 6 cloves garlic; 1/2 medium bunch fresh parsley; 2 ounces Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (1 cup firmly packed freshly grated or 2/3 cup store-bought grated); plus more for serving; 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground pork; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup canola; vegetable; or grapeseed oil; for frying

Indulging in a plate of Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs creates a delightful culinary experience that celebrates rich flavors and comforting textures. This Italian dish, featuring ear-shaped pasta paired with succulent, bite-sized meatballs, captures the essence of traditional home cooking. With every bite, you’ll discover how perfectly the tender orecchiette hugs the savory meatballs, making each forkful a heartwarming embrace.

Moreover, this delightful recipe not only satisfies the palate but also brings joy to gatherings, family dinners, or weekday meals. The versatility of orecchiette pasta allows it to pair effortlessly with various sauces and ingredients, ensuring that every serving remains unique and enticing. Dive into the world of Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs and elevate your dining experience to new heights!

Ingredients for Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs:

To create a delightful dish of Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

For the red sauce and pasta:
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
– 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 6 sprigs fresh basil
– 1 dried bay leaf
– 1 pound dried orecchiette pasta
– 3 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter
– Kosher salt to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the mini meatballs:
– 3 slices white sandwich bread, torn into pieces
– 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 medium bunch fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 ounces Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (or 2/3 cup store-bought)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 cup canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil for frying

These components create a harmonious blend of flavors in your Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs. For a side dish, consider trying my Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing to perfectly complement your meal.

How to Prepare Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs:

To create a delightful dish of Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs, start by making the red sauce. Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large pot. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced onion, cooking until softened. Incorporate 2 (28-ounce) cans of whole peeled tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, a bay leaf, and 6 sprigs of fresh basil. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, prepare the mini meatballs. Soak 3 slices of white sandwich bread in 1/2 cup of whole milk. In a bowl, combine this with 6 minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano, ground beef, ground pork, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, and seasonings. Roll into small balls, then fry them in 1 cup of heated oil until golden.

Cook 1 pound of dried orecchiette in salted water according to package directions. Drain and mix with the red sauce and butter. Top with the crispy meatballs for a comforting meal. Looking for other unique dishes? Try these Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce for a cozy dinner option.

Flavor Pairings:

Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs offers a wonderful opportunity to explore flavorful pairings that enhance the dish’s appeal. Start with a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. This classic combination complements the meatballs beautifully and adds depth to the orecchiette. Additionally, consider a side of spring mix salad, dressed with balsamic honey dressing. The salad’s brightness balances the heartiness of the pasta and meatballs, making every bite delightful.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over your dish, adding a layer of creamy, savory goodness. If you want to learn how to make the orecchiette pasta and meatballs from scratch, visit this detailed recipe link. Tying these elements together creates a delightful dining experience that captivates the senses.

Variations of Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs:

Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs is a delightful dish, but there are many ways to mix things up. One variation could include adding seasonal vegetables. For example, sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini can enhance both flavor and nutrition. Additionally, if you want a different protein profile, consider using chicken meatballs instead. Chicken meatballs in cream sauce offer a lighter twist that pairs beautifully with orecchiette.

For a refreshing side, try a simple spring mix salad with balsamic honey dressing. This adds a bright contrast to the hearty pasta. Moreover, if you’re looking for a more traditional touch, you might incorporate a rich tomato sauce, allowing the meatballs to simmer and absorb all the flavors. Each of these adaptations offers a unique experience, proving that Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs can be versatile, satisfying, and endlessly delicious.

Serving Suggestions :

Enhance your meal experience with delicious serving suggestions for Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides that can elevate your dining experience. For a light touch, consider a refreshing Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing. This salad complements the hearty pasta beautifully, providing a nice balance of flavors.

Additionally, freshly baked garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce. If you’re in the mood for something different, serve alongside crispy roasted vegetables or a bright Caprese salad. For those who enjoy crunch, a side of Tasty Mini Potato Skins adds a playful touch that everyone will love. Finally, consider a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse your palate. These suggestions not only enhance the main dish but also create a complete and satisfying meal experience. Enjoy your Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs!

Storage Tips for Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs:

To properly store your leftover Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to thaw the dish slowly in the fridge before reheating. For an easy recipe that compliments this dish, try Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce for varied flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs?

Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs is a delightful Italian dish featuring small, ear-shaped pasta paired with tender mini meatballs. This comforting meal often incorporates a rich tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and cheese, creating a balanced and flavorful experience that is beloved by many.

Can I make my mini meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mini meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just cook them thoroughly before adding them to your orecchiette dish, ensuring that you have a quick and easy meal option available.

What sauce goes best with Orecchiette?

A classic marinara sauce or a robust meat sauce complements orecchiette wonderfully. For a twist, consider a creamy garlic sauce, similar to what’s used in chicken meatballs in cream sauce, to enhance the flavor profile.

Are there any vegetarian options for this dish?

Yes! You can substitute mini meatballs with plant-based alternatives made from lentils or chickpeas. These options still bring great texture and flavor, allowing vegetarians to enjoy a similar dish without meat.

How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?

To elevate your orecchiette with mini meatballs, add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil can also brighten the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.

What can I serve alongside Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple spring mix salad with balsamic honey dressing for a fresh and light accompaniment. Additionally, a side of garlic bread can make the meal even more satisfying.

Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs is a delightful Italian dish that features chewy orecchiette pasta paired with tender mini meatballs in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

5 cloves garlic

1 medium white or yellow onion

2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

6 sprigs fresh basil

1 dried bay leaf

1 pound dried orecchiette pasta

3 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 slices white sandwich bread

such as Wonderbread

1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk

6 cloves garlic

1/2 medium bunch fresh parsley

2 ounces Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (1 cup firmly packed freshly grated or 2/3 cup store-bought grated)

plus more for serving

1 pound ground beef

1 pound ground pork

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup canola

vegetable

or grapeseed oil

for frying

Instructions

Start by preparing the meatballs: Tear the bread into pieces and soak in milk or buttermilk until softened.
In a large bowl, combine soaked bread, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated cheese, ground beef, ground pork, panko, eggs, olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Form the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.
Next, prepare the tomato sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onion, sauté until soft.
Add whole peeled tomatoes, red pepper flakes, basil sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the meatballs in a frying pan with canola oil until browned on all sides. Drain excess oil.
When the sauce is ready, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
In another pot, cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter, salt, and pepper.
Serve orecchiette topped with meatballs and sauce, and sprinkle with additional grated cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball option.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 30
Category: Main Course
Method: baking
Cuisine: Italian