Rigatoni and Meatballs

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides until they are golden brown. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside. (They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.)

Preparing the Marinara Sauce

4. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Carefully add the browned meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce. Cover and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Preparing the Pasta

8. Cook Rigatoni: While the meatballs are cooking in the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Combining and Serving

9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently toss the cooked rigatoni with the marinara sauce and meatballs, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
10. Serve: Serve the rigatoni and meatballs hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Conclusion

Rigatoni and meatballs is a timeless and comforting dish that brings together the heartiness of homemade meatballs, the richness of marinara sauce, and the satisfying bite of rigatoni pasta. This meal is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this classic dish with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and delicious dinner!