Meatballs in tomato sauce is a classic and comforting dish that's perfect for a hearty meal. Here’s a recipe that’s both flavorful and straightforward:
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional, you can use all beef if preferred)
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
-
Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
-
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Once the meatballs are baked, add them to the simmering tomato sauce. Let them cook in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a sub in a meatball sandwich.
Tips
- Meatballs: For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture.
- Sauce: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and add other herbs or spices according to your taste.
- Make Ahead: Both the meatballs and the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy your delicious meatballs in tomato sauce! It’s a classic comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
