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Easy Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These easy Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are tender, moist, and incredibly satisfying. They’re made with a perfect blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, then simmered in a rich, seasoned tomato sauce.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 430 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ½ c Italian breadcrumbs or 1 thick slice of stale white bread
  • ⅔ c milk or coconut milk
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 cans 30 oz crushed tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ teaspoon coconut sugar or cane Maple syrup or cane sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons basil chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In small combine breadcrumbs and milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, soaked breadcrumbs, and milk. (If you soaked bread, break it with your fingers into tiny pieces). Mix it well.
  4. Wet your hands and form 2-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  5. Heat avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Add the meatballs to a sauce, bring it to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
  8. Sprinkle with the fresh basil and serve over pasta or rice.

Notes

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  • After combining the breadcrumbs and milk, let them sit for 5 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to fully absorb the milk, keeping the meatballs moist and tender.
  • When mixing the meatball ingredients, use your hands. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients without overworking the meat, which can make it tough.
  • Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk is a classic technique that not only adds moisture but also helps to make the meatballs tender. If you don't have Italian breadcrumbs, a thick slice of stale white bread works just as well.
  • When forming the meatballs, wet your hands. This prevents the meat mixture from sticking to your hands and makes it easier to roll into smooth, even meatballs.
  • Cook the meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. This ensures that they are safe to eat and remain juicy.
  • After baking the meatballs, don't forget to let them rest while you prepare the sauce. This allows the meat to reabsorb any juices that were released during cooking, keeping them flavorful.
  • Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta or rice for a complete meal. This dish also pairs well with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories 430kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 24g (48%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 86mg (29%) Sodium 1169mg (49%) Potassium 476mg (14%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 163IU (3%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 127mg (13%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 430

% Daily Value*

Calories 430kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 24g 48%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 86mg 29%
Sodium 1169mg 49%
Potassium 476mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 163IU 3%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 127mg 13%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.