There’s something incredibly satisfying about a pot of tender meatballs simmering slowly in a rich, glossy sauce while pasta soaks up all that flavor. This dish isn’t your typical tomato-based pasta—instead, it leans toward a deep, savory gravy that coats every strand of pasta, making each bite hearty and comforting. It’s the kind of meal that feels rustic, filling, and perfect for when you want something warm and homemade without being overly complicated.
🧾 Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 500g ground beef (or beef + chicken mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For the pasta & sauce:
- 250–300g egg pasta / tagliatelle / fettuccine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the meatballs
Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, and spices in a bowl. Shape into medium-sized balls.
2. Brown the meatballs
Heat oil in a pan and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This locks in flavor.
3. Prepare the sauce
In a deep pan or pot, add beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the meatballs
Add the browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and let them cook on low heat for about 20–25 minutes so they become tender and soak up flavor.
5. Cook the pasta
Boil the pasta separately in salted water until just al dente, then drain.
6. Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta into the meatball sauce. Toss gently so the pasta absorbs the gravy.
7. Thicken (optional)
If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Tip
Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh herbs. Garlic bread or a light salad pairs perfectly with this dish.