If you’re craving a hearty, full-of-flavor pasta dish that requires minimal effort, then this Meatball and Chorizo Pasta is the perfect recipe for you! With tender meatballs, savory chorizo, and a blend of fresh herbs and spices, this meal will make you feel like a professional chef without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend. Let’s dive into this easy, tasty recipe that you’ll make over and over again!

Method in Detail

To start, prepare the meatballs or buy them pre-made for a quicker option. If you’re making your own, combine 500g of beef with 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of Italian herbs, and 2 eggs. Mix everything together until fully combined, then roll the mixture into small balls. Next, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs for about 2 minutes, turning them to get a nice, golden exterior on each side. This step adds extra flavor to the meatballs and helps lock in moisture.

Once your meatballs are browned, add everything to the slow cooker. Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients except for the pasta and chicken stock. You’ll want to add 75g of chorizo (which should be chopped into small pieces), 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of mild chili powder, and 1 fresh chili if you like a little extra heat. Also, add the sun-dried tomatoes, passata, tomato purée, oregano, thyme, sage, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pour in 100ml of red wine to bring a rich depth of flavor to the sauce. Stir everything together well to make sure the flavors start to meld.

Now, cook the meatballs and sauce. Set your slow cooker to high and let it cook for 3 to 4 hours, or you can go for low heat if you prefer to cook it all day, about 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the meatballs will absorb all the flavors, and the sauce will thicken nicely.

After the meatballs have cooked through and the sauce has developed its rich, aromatic flavor, it’s time to add the pasta and stock. Carefully add 350g of your chosen pasta penne, linguine, or spaghetti will work perfectly. I used Frescine, but any pasta will do. Pour in around 600ml of chicken stock to start. Cover the slow cooker and let the pasta cook for about an hour on high. Check midway through; if the pasta looks too dry or isn’t fully cooked, you can add a little more chicken stock. If your pasta doesn’t fit, break it in half apologies to Italy for this minor blunder! Once the pasta has cooked to perfection, serve the dish. Spoon the hearty meatballs and pasta onto plates, making sure to get plenty of that delicious sauce. For the finishing touch, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal!

Necessary Tools

Slow cooker
Frying pan
Knife and chopping board
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Large spoon for stirring

Meatball and Chorizo Pasta: A Flavorful, Hearty Meal!

Recipe by Simon Davies

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Total time

hours

minutes

Ingredients

500g beef meatballs (or make your own by mixing 500g beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp Italian herbs, and 2 eggs)
75g chorizo
Fresh basil
4 x garlic cloves
1 onion
1 tsp mild chili powder
1 fresh chili (optional for extra heat)
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes
700g passata
3 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 sprig fresh thyme
Fresh sage
900ml chicken stock (you may need less depending on pasta)
350g pasta (penne, linguine, or spaghetti; I used Frescine)
Salt and pepper
100ml red wine
Parmesan (for topping)

Directions

Make or buy your meatballs. If you’re making them, mix 500g beef with breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, and eggs. Roll them into balls and brown them in a frying pan for 2 minutes.
Add everything to the slow cooker. Place the browned meatballs and all ingredients (except pasta and stock) into the slow cooker. Stir well and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 6-8 hours.
Add pasta and stock. Once the meatballs are cooked, add the pasta and chicken stock. Stir, cover, and cook on high for about an hour.
Top and serve! Once everything’s cooked and the pasta is tender, top with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Enjoy!

Notes

Pasta adjustments: When adding pasta to the slow cooker, make sure there’s enough liquid to cook it. If your pasta seems to be too dry, add a little more chicken stock.
Meatball sizes: If you’re making your own meatballs, make sure they’re evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. If they’re too large, they may take longer to cook through.
Cooking time variations: Depending on your slow cooker, the cooking times may vary. Check your food midway through to ensure the meatballs and pasta are cooking as expected.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top before serving!

Fun Fact

Did you know that chorizo, the spicy sausage used in this recipe, is made from pork and flavored with smoked paprika? It adds a smokey, savory kick to any dish, making it a favorite in Spanish and Mexican cuisines!

Conclusion

This Meatball and Chorizo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. With the rich flavors of the meatballs, chorizo, and fresh herbs, it’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s an affordable meal. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and bring a little joy to your dinner table. Enjoy!