Meatballs in tomato sauce is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner. Here’s a straightforward recipe for making tender meatballs in a rich tomato sauce:
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare a skillet for frying.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. You should get about 20 meatballs.
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Cook the Meatballs:
- Oven Method: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
- Skillet Method: Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them to brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
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Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- While the meatballs are cooking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water or beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Season the sauce with sugar (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the tomato sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure they are heated through and have absorbed some of the sauce flavor.
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Serve:
- Serve the meatballs with the tomato sauce over pasta, on a sub roll for meatball sandwiches, or with a side of garlic bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Freezing: Meatballs can be frozen either cooked or uncooked. For freezing uncooked meatballs, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, cool them completely before freezing.
- Flavor Boost: For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce.
Enjoy your flavorful meatballs in tomato sauce!
