My Family's Favorite Meatballs with Buttery Pastina: The Perfect Comfort Food

Are you looking for the perfect comfort food? Then you need to to make this!

This is one of our favorite family meals! It's so easy to whip up and for this reason it usually finds its way to our table at least once a week. It's packed with protein and plenty of flavor. The thyme, rosemary, and oregano, in these meatballs make them so savory and heavenly. Ordinarily when you think "meatballs" you think of it's trusty side spaghetti and that's never a bad decision but we love to enjoy our meatballs served on a bed of buttery pastina. This combination of flavors and textures is comfort in a bowl. Don't take my word for it, make it and you'll see for yourself!

The Meatballs.

Ingredients:

• 2lbs ground beef (ground chicken or turkey can also be used)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 3/4 tsp sea salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh, minced

• 1 tsp dried rosemary (crushed) or 1 tbsp fresh, minced

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 4 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup

• 1 tbsp dijon mustard

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup bread crumbs (optional)

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish when serving

The Meatball Plan:

To make the meatballs:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Set aside.

2. To make the meatballs, add all ingredients in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until just combined. Roll the mixture into 12 to 15 balls. Place the meatballs on the prepared pan about 1 inch apart.

3. Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes. They will not be fully cooked.

4. Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer for at least 20 minutes.

The Tomato Sauce

This simple sauce can be used for so many recipes that you'll want to keep it on hand!

Ingredients:

• 2-28 oz cans San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 large sprig basil, plus 6 leaves sliced to garnish

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes

The Sauce Plan:

1. Heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Once oil is warm and shimmers, add the garlic. Stir and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes. DO NOT let it burn.

2. Add in the basil sprig, salt, and chili pepper flakes. Sauté about 30 seconds.

3. Add in the tomatoes. You can add a few tablespoons of water to the cans and swirl around to get any extra bits of tomato. Add to the sauce.

4. Increase the heat to and allow the sauce to come to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes.

(Makes about 6 to 7 cups of sauce)

The Pastina

Butter makes it better!

Ingredients:

• 1-12 oz box pastina

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/2 tsp sea salt to season pastina

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp ground pepper

1. Make the pastina according to the directions on the box.

2. Once drained, add the butter to the pan the pasta was cooked in. Allow it to melt slightly. Whisk in the sea salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

3. Add in the pastina and gently stir until well combined.

Note: Use any pasta that brings you and your loved ones joy.

Mangiare!

Serve the meatballs over the pastina. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.

Buon Appetito! xx