This hearty Meatball Bucatini recipe combines tender meatballs with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. The sauce is infused with aromatic herbs and a touch of pomegranate balsamic for a unique twist. Serve it over bucatini, spaghetti, or linguine for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Meatball Bucatini recipe
Prep Time
45min
Cook Time
1hr 15min
Total Time
2hr

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = One portion of meatballs and sauce served over pasta)

Sauce

  • crushed tomatoes
    crushed tomatoes
    1can
  • minced shallots
    minced shallots
    35g
  • minced garlic
    minced garlic
    30g
  • dried parsley
    dried parsley
    1tbsp
  • dried thyme
    dried thyme
    1tbsp
  • dried oregano
    dried oregano
    1tbsp
  • bay leaves bay leaves
    bay leaves bay leaves
    2
  • water
    water
    1cup
  • sugar
    sugar
    1tbsp
  • pomegranate balsamic vinegar
    pomegranate balsamic vinegar
    1tbsp
  • salt and pepper to taste
    salt and pepper to taste

Meatballs

  • ground pork
    ground pork
    450g
  • ground beef
    ground beef
    450g
  • egg white egg white
    egg white egg white
    1
  • bread
    bread
    85g
  • milk
    milk
    140g
  • small onion grated onion
    small onion grated onion
    1
  • grated garlic
    grated garlic
    2clove
  • fresh parsley
    fresh parsley
    8g

How to make Meatball Bucatini

Sauce Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Sauté shallots and garlic in oil until fragrant.

  2. Step 2

    Add dried herbs and sweat for five minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add crushed tomatoes and water, then bring to a boil.

  4. Step 4

    Add sugar and pomegranate balsamic vinegar to balance flavors.

  5. Step 5

    Add bay leaves, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Meatball Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Add ground pork and ground beef to a bowl.

  2. Step 2

    Add egg white to the meat mixture.

  3. Step 3

    Soak bread in milk, then add the bread and milk mixture to the meat.

  4. Step 4

    Grate onion and garlic, and add them to the meat mixture.

  5. Step 5

    Add fresh chopped parsley and mix well.

  6. Step 6

    Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  7. Step 7

    Scoop the mixture into desired meatball sizes and add them to the sauce.

  8. Step 8

    Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for 30 minutes.

Serving

  1. Step 1

    Serve the meatballs and sauce over bucatini, spaghetti, or linguine.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

330.0kcal (16.5%)

Protein

25.0g (50%)

Carbs

20.0g (7.27%)

Sugars

4.2g (8.34%)

Healthy Fat

10.9g

Unhealthy Fat

7.7g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For extra flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones in the sauce.

  2. Letting the meatball mixture rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together.

  3. Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized meatballs.

  4. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water if needed.

  5. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

FAQS

  1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

    Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before crushing to achieve a similar texture.

  2. Can I freeze the meatballs and sauce?

    Yes, both the meatballs and sauce freeze well. Store them in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

  3. What other types of pasta can I use?

    You can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, use gluten-free bread and pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.

  5. Can I substitute the pomegranate balsamic vinegar?

    You can use regular balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar as a substitute.

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Brandon Griffin

(@cajuninthekitchen)

Oakland, Ca 📍 Chef Made in Louisiana ⚜️🐊...

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