Pappardelle & Stuffed Meatballs Flavorful Dinner Idea

Ingredients

• 400 g pappardelle pasta
• 500 g ground beef
• 250 g ground pork
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves for garnish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until well combined.
2. Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then mold the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat until all meat mixture is used.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Carefully add the meatballs and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
5. In the same skillet used for meatballs, pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked meatballs back into the sauce and let them cook for about 10 minutes.
6. Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet, along with reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and meatballs.
7. Plate the pappardelle with meatballs, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil over the top.