Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a comforting, classic dish enjoyed in many cuisines. This recipe makes tender meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz or 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Form the mixture into 1-1.5 inch (3-4 cm) meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). You don’t need to cook them through at this stage. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and sugar if using. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Meatballs:
- Gently place the browned meatballs into the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, or enjoy with crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious Meatballs in Tomato Sauce!
