Description
This Sweet and Tangy BBQ Meatball Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender meatballs, a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite type)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In the same skillet, add BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the BBQ sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss the cooked pasta with the BBQ meatballs and sauce. Stir to coat the pasta in the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use store-bought frozen meatballs for a quicker version of this dish.
- For a spicier kick, add a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce.
- Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg