Name: Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: **For the Meatballs:**; – 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); – 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; – 1/4 cup milk; – 1 egg; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; – 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying); **For the Tomato Sauce:**; – 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; – 2 tablespoons olive oil; – 1 small onion, finely chopped; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 teaspoon dried basil; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); – 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity); – 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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If there’s one dish that never fails to bring comfort and joy, it’s a plate of Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. Juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce—this is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian trattoria. Serve it over pasta, stuff it into a sandwich, or enjoy it with a side of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether it’s a family dinner, a meal prep favorite, or a dish to impress guests, these meatballs are always a win. Here’s why:

Versatile: Serve them over spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or even as an appetizer with toothpicks!

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and one-pot cooking, this dish is perfect for busy days.

Customizable: Use your favorite ground meat or adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults—everyone loves classic meatballs!

Ingredients

Ingredients in Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet bold flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef (or a mix of beef and pork): The base for juicy, flavorful meatballs.

Breadcrumbs: Helps keep the meatballs tender and holds everything together.

Egg: Acts as a binder to prevent the meatballs from falling apart.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty depth of flavor.

Garlic: Because no Italian dish is complete without it!

Fresh Parsley: Brings a burst of freshness to the meatballs.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Italian Seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme for classic Italian flavors.

Crushed Tomatoes: The base of the rich, hearty tomato sauce.

Olive Oil: For sautéing and enhancing the sauce’s richness.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little heat for those who like a bit of spice.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!

Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on a plate.

Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same pan, sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.

Simmer the Meatballs: Gently place the meatballs back into the sauce, cover, and let them simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing them to soak up all the flavors.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm over pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serve over spaghetti or any pasta of your choice.
Make a meatball sub by stuffing them into a toasted baguette with melted cheese.
Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra marinara for dipping.
Enjoy with garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Additional Tips

Use a meat mixture: A combo of beef and pork makes the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs.
For extra tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in a bit of milk before mixing.
Don’t overwork the meat: Gently mix the ingredients to avoid dense, tough meatballs.
For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika to the seasoning.
Make ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance for easy meal prep.
Freeze leftovers: Cooked meatballs freeze beautifully—just reheat in sauce when ready to serve!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great for a lighter option. Just be sure to add a bit of extra seasoning since turkey is milder in flavor.

2. How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind them. Also, avoid overmixing the meat.

3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the sauce.

4. What’s the best pasta to serve with these meatballs?
Spaghetti is a classic choice, but they also pair well with penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles.

5. How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually tastes better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance.

7. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, panko, or even cooked rice can work as a substitute.

8. Can I make the meatballs bigger?
Of course! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through.

9. How do I reheat frozen meatballs?
Let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat them in sauce over medium heat.

10. Can I make these meatballs spicy?
Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne to give them a kick.

Conclusion

These Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve them over pasta, in a sub, or on their own, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce