Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? This Meatballs and Pasta Picante con Queso is not just a meal—it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the comfort of classic Italian-inspired cooking with a spicy, cheesy twist that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-16 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet, reducing heat to low and allowing the sauce to simmer and coat the meatballs for 5 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the meatballs and marinara sauce over the pasta, gently mixing to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the pasta and meatballs. Cover the pot and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your Meatballs and Pasta Picante con Queso!
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining the meatball ingredients, use your hands to mix thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat. Gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Size Matters: Try to make your meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. A small ice cream scoop can help create consistent meatballs.
- Browning is Flavor: Don't rush the browning process. Those golden-brown edges create incredible depth of flavor.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For perfectly melted cheese, cover the pot for 2-3 minutes after sprinkling the shredded cheese. This creates a steamy environment that helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta to al dente. This means the pasta should have a slight firmness when bitten, which prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with sauce.
- Optional Spice Boost: Want to amp up the "Picante"? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix some into the meatball mixture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Make a double batch and save some for a quick future meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
