Bucatini All'Amatriciana with Smoked Mozzarella Meatballs

• servings: 6 servings
• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

6 ounces pancetta, diced

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning

1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano

1 small (6-ounce) onion, grated

1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1/4 cup

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 1/4 cup

1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs

1 large egg

2 tablespoons ketchup

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning

8 ounces ground beef

8 ounces ground veal

2 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 (1/2-inch) cubes

1 pound bucatini or other long pasta

Directions

For the sauce: In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and reserve. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the cooked pancetta. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

For the meatballs: Position an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the onion, 1/2 cup parsley, 2/3 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the beef and veal. Using your hands, combine all ingredients gently but thoroughly. Shape the meat mixture into 16 (1 1/2-inch-diameter) meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside. Reform the meatball so that the mozzarella is completely covered with the meat mixture. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes until cooked through.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and place in a large serving bowl. Add the meatballs and sauce. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and Parmesan.

Nutrition

• Calories: 857
• Total Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 1030mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 74g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Total Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 44g