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Gratinated Linguine with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Gratinated Linguine with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

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Gratinated Linguine with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce: A Hearty, Comforting Meal for All Ages

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy pasta dish topped with perfectly seasoned meatballs and a rich tomato sauce. Gratinated Linguine with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce combines all the elements of a classic Italian meal with a comforting twist. The linguine is cooked to perfection, the meatballs are juicy and flavorful, and the entire dish is crowned with a golden, melted cheese crust that’s irresistible.

This recipe brings together the comfort of a homemade meatball sub and the indulgence of a cheesy baked pasta dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this gratinated linguine will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Gratinated Linguine with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

  • Hearty and Filling: With a generous portion of linguine, flavorful meatballs, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for satisfying hungry appetites.
  • Rich Tomato Sauce: The homemade tomato sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it the perfect base for the tender meatballs.
  • Cheesy and Gratinated: The cheese topping gives a crispy, golden layer to the dish, adding an extra dimension of flavor and texture.
  • Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by swapping out linguine for your favorite pasta or using a different type of cheese. It’s a flexible recipe that suits everyone’s tastes.

Ingredients for Gratinated Linguine with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

For the Gratinated Linguine:

  • 12 oz linguine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Gratinated Linguine with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

This dish may take a little time to prepare, but the result is well worth the effort. Here’s how to make this comforting meal:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This recipe should make about 18-20 meatballs.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  3. Add the Meatballs: Gently add the browned meatballs into the sauce and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

  1. Boil the Linguine: While the meatballs are simmering, cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, typically about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Toss the Linguine with Sauce: Return the cooked linguine to the pot and pour the tomato sauce with meatballs over the pasta. Toss to combine, ad