Description
This Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Made with ground beef, Parmesan, herbs, and spices, these meatballs are browned to perfection on the stovetop and then gently cooked in a classic homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato Sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Working in batches, cook the meatballs for 5-6 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re browned on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over each meatball, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is flavorful.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil and serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, rice, or bread.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- You can freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for heat preference.
- Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for enhanced flavor.
