BBQ Honey Garlic Meatball Pasta (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 450 g ground beef or turkey
02 - 100 g breadcrumbs
03 - 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 5 ml garlic powder
06 - 5 ml onion powder
07 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Sauce

08 - 240 ml BBQ sauce
09 - 60 ml honey
10 - 120 ml ranch dressing

→ Pasta and Garnish

11 - 340 g pasta (penne or rotini)
12 - 100 g shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
13 - Fresh parsley, optional for garnish

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape into approximately 2.5 cm diameter meatballs.
03 - Place meatballs evenly spaced on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through.
04 - While meatballs bake, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
05 - In a separate bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and ranch dressing, mixing until smooth.
06 - Remove meatballs from oven and immediately toss them in the prepared BBQ honey garlic ranch sauce until fully coated.
07 - In a large pot, combine cooked pasta and coated meatballs, then stir in shredded cheese until it melts and integrates evenly.
08 - Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta. To reduce sweetness, adjust honey quantity or use a BBQ sauce with less sugar.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month, separating pasta and meatballs for easier reheating.
03 - Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra ranch dressing to maintain moisture, or microwave covered in intervals.