Best 2 Rigatoni And Meatballs Recipes

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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!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

RIGATONI AND MEATBALLS



Rigatoni and Meatballs image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

6 thick slices crusty bread
12 ounces ground beef
12 ounces ground pork
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for serving
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup red wine, optional
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
12 fresh basil leaves, cut in chiffonade, optional
2 pounds rigatoni, cooked al dente

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



Rigatoni and Meatballs image

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

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
6 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, plus more for seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 pints Canned Tomato Passato
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound rigatoni, cooked

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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