Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
These Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Simmered in a rich and savory tomato sauce, they make the perfect comfort meal when served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Simmering
- 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)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.
Notes
– Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra tenderness and flavor.
– For a low-carb version, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
– Make a big batch and freeze extra meatballs for future meals.
– Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg