Recipe

A comforting Italian-Inspired pasta featuring fresh tagliatelle served with tender homemade beef meatballs in a slow-simmered tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the meatballs:

• 500g ground beef
• 50g freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1 egg
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for browning)

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 700g crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 150ml beef stock
• 8 fresh basil leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the pasta:

• 400g fresh tagliatelle
• Reserved pasta water
• Extra Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Parmigiano-Reggiano, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently and form into small meatballs.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the sauce

• In the same pan, sauté the onion until soft.
• Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Stir in the tomato paste, then add the crushed tomatoes and beef stock.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently for 30–35 minutes, until fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
• Add the basil during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

3. Cook the pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the tagliatelle until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

4. Combine

• Add the tagliatelle to the sauce with a splash of pasta water.
• Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.

5. Serve

• Divide into warm bowls.
• Top with the meatballs, extra Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Chef’s Tip 🇮🇹

For the juiciest meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Simmering the meatballs directly in the tomato sauce after browning allows them to stay tender while absorbing the rich tomato flavor.

Final result: Silky tagliatelle, tender beef meatballs, and a rich tomato-basil sauce come together in a comforting Italian classic that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. 🍝🥩🍅