Pasta with Mini Meatballs and Fresh Marinara is perfect for the whole family, kids love the “bite” sized meatballs while adults enjoy the grown-up flavors.
6ouncesred wineremember, the alcohol cooks off so it’s o.k. even for the kids, but you can substitute a non-alcohol wine such as Fre, Ariel or Vandalia, just DO NOT use anything labeled “cooking wine” or omit altogether
2tablespoonschopped fresh basilor 1 tablespoon dry ( to be honest, dry basil doesn’t have much flavor IMHO)
1teaspoondried oregano
½teaspoondried thyme
Pinchred pepper flakes(optional)
Salt and pepperto taste
¼cupminced fresh parsleylike basil, dried parsley doesn't have much flavor and fresh is always available in the supermarket so why bother with the dried stuff?
For the Meatballs:
½poundlean ground beef
½poundground porkveal or turkey
1egglightly beaten
½cupfinely chopped onion
1clovegarlicminced
½cupItalian seasoned bread crumbsor as needed
¼cupchopped parsley
¼cupgrated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepperto taste
1poundFusilli Pugliese pastaor use Cavatappi, Cavatelli, Gemelli or Orecchiette (all have good nooks and crannies to hold the sauce), cooked according to package directions, and well-drained
Instructions
Heat the oil in a saucepan; add the onion and garlic, saute over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the tomato paste and saute for a few minutes; add the tomato sauce, along with the wine, and herbs. Mix well, lower the heat and simmer slowly for about an hour.
Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs – combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl; using clean hands mix well adding more breadcrumbs if the mixture seems to loose (this is something kids love to do). Form small, about ¾ inch, meatballs. After the sauce has cooked for an hour, add the meatballs and simmer for 30 minutes more.
Pour the sauce and meatballs over the pasta; toss gently to combine. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.