Pasta and Meatballs for Kids
Turn mealtime into a fun and flavorful experience with this kid-friendly Pasta and Meatballs recipe! Designed to delight picky eaters and satisfy growing appetites, this dish combines tender homemade beef meatballs, subtly seasoned with Parmesan and garlic powder, with a rich, tomato-based sauce bursting with basil and oregano. Serve over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and wholesome dinner the whole family will love. Quick to prepare in just under an hour, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of extra cheese for added kid-approved appeal. Perfect for picky palates and packed with protein, this recipe is a surefire hit for family dinners.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams Ground beef
- 1 large Egg
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 400 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 300 grams Pasta (e.g., spaghetti or penne)
- 3 liters Water
- 1 tablespoon Salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Once the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 75°C/165°F), remove the skillet from heat.
Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls, topped with the meatballs and sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving to make it kid-friendly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
590 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.1 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.1 g | 61% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 128 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 2449 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.8 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 29.7 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 200 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 560 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
