05/24/2025
Classic Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for frying
For the tomato sauce:
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but avoid overworking the meat.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and set them aside on a plate or tray.
Brown the Meatballs:
Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). The meatballs don’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely seared. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, and then carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re coated.
Simmer the Meatballs:
Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, until they are fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve:
Once the meatballs are cooked through and tender, transfer them to a serving dish. Spoon the tomato sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with pasta, crusty bread, or enjoy them on their own!
Enjoy:
These tender, juicy meatballs in a rich, savory tomato sauce will be a crowd-pleaser and the perfect comfort food.
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, packed with flavor and ready to be enjoyed by everyo