Meatballs in tomato sauce

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!