– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups uncooked pasta Os
– 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Creating One-Pot Meatballs & Pasta Os is easy when you follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Sauté the Meatballs: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Add Pasta Os: Bring the mixture to a boil and then add in the uncooked pasta Os. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
6. Reintroduce Meatballs: Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Stir gently to ensure they are coated in the sauce and heated through.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dish, cover the pot, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish: Remove the pot from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
These straightforward steps will guide you to delicious results every time, making it a repeat favorite in your kitchen.