Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Rigatoni and Meatballs, a classic Italian dish that tantalizes taste buds with its hearty flavors. This comprehensive guide features three enticing recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish.
Embark on a traditional adventure with our Classic Rigatoni and Meatballs recipe, where succulent meatballs nestle in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by tender rigatoni pasta. Explore the depths of flavor with our Spicy Rigatoni and Meatballs, where a touch of heat elevates the dish to new heights. For a lighter variation, try our Turkey Meatball Rigatoni, where ground turkey meatballs create a leaner and healthier alternative.
No matter your preference, these recipes guarantee a delightful culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a culinary adventure with our Rigatoni and Meatballs extravaganza!
RIGATONI AND MEATBALLS
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h15m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Place the bread on a baking sheet. Bake until totally dry, about 30 minutes.
- Break the bread into chunks. Pulse in a food processor until the bread turns into crumbs. Throw in the meat into a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, parsley, garlic, eggs, salt and some pepper. Use clean hands to mix together until well combined.
- Use a scoop to retrieve a small amount of the meat mixture, and roll it in your hands to make meatballs (about 25). Place on a pan and put the pan in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes, just to firm them up.
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working with 8 to 10 meatballs at a time, cook them until brown but not cooked all the way through, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove from the pot to a plate while you make the sauce.
- For the sauce: Add the garlic and onions to the meatball pot. Stir and cook until the onion begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook for another minute. (Just omit this step if you're not using wine.) Add the crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir the sauce to combine all the ingredients. Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If sauce needs more liquid, just add in a little water. Then throw in the parsley, basil and the meat-a-balls! Stir gently, then cover and cook for 20 more minutes, stirring once or twice until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Heap the rigatoni on a large platter and pile the meatballs and sauce on the top. Sprinkle on some extra minced parsley and serve with extra grated Parmesan.
RIGATONI AND MEATBALLS
Every Italian-American grandma has a version of this sauce, served on Sunday. It's a thin, flavorful tomato puree served over rigatoni with meatballs, sausages, and any other meat that happens to be in the refrigerator.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, parsley, Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, and salt. Form into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 6-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs; cook, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tablespoon oil and meatballs.
- Add white wine to same pan; deglaze by stirring up browned bits from bottom with a wooden spoon. Reduce wine by half, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and meatballs; bring to a simmer. Reduce to medium-low; cook, uncovered, 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meatballs to a serving dish. Toss pasta in sauce; serve in a separate dish.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your meatballs and sauce. Look for high-quality ground beef, pork, and veal, and use fresh herbs and spices.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing will make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined, then form them into balls.
- Brown the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce: This will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Use a variety of vegetables in your sauce: This will add flavor and texture. Some good options include onions, celery, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Season the sauce to taste: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are good starting points, but you can also add other herbs and spices to your liking.
Conclusion:
Rigatoni and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its hearty meatballs, flavorful sauce, and al dente pasta, this dish is a comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try.
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