Description
This Sweet and Tangy BBQ Meatball Pasta combines flavorful homemade meatballs with a delicious BBQ sauce infused with honey and apple cider vinegar. Tossed with pasta and topped with melted cheddar cheese, it makes for a comforting and easy stovetop meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully, cooking until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: While meatballs cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the BBQ sauce: In the same skillet used for meatballs, combine BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine meatballs and pasta: Add the cooked meatballs and drained pasta to the skillet with the BBQ sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Add cheese and garnish: If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and cover the skillet until the cheese melts. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time; just heat and toss in the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the BBQ sauce by adding more or less honey and apple cider vinegar to taste.
- For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when simmering the BBQ sauce.
