Meatball Tortellini is the perfect combination of hearty comfort food and Italian-inspired flavors, making it a go-to dish for family dinners or cozy nights in. This recipe marries tender, juicy meatballs with soft, cheese-filled tortellini, all enveloped in a rich, savory tomato sauce. The addition of garlic, onions, and Italian herbs infuses the dish with classic flavors that will satisfy your craving for a warm, comforting meal. Whether you’re serving it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad, Meatball Tortellini is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- For the Tortellini:
- 1 (20 oz) package of cheese tortellini
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked meatballs back into the sauce and stir to coat them evenly.
- Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring that each piece is well coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
