Italian Meatballs in a Red Pepper Tomato Sauce
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
45 mins
-
Servings
12 meatballs
-
Calories
125 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Italian Meatballs in a Red Pepper Tomato Sauce
Description
Italian Meatballs in a Red Pepper Tomato Sauce begins with mixing ground beef and pork with egg, Parmesan cheese, soaked bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley to form seasoned meatballs. These are browned in oil to create a flavorful crust before being added to a sauce made by sautéing garlic, shallots, and sliced red peppers in olive oil. Tomato puree is then combined with herbs like oregano and basil and simmered alongside the meatballs until the sauce thickens and the meat is fully cooked.
The sauce offers a balance of sweetness from the red peppers and acidity from the tomatoes, infused with herbal notes. The browned meatballs contribute a rich, umami flavor and tender texture. Cooking the meatballs in the sauce allows them to absorb flavors while maintaining moisture.
Serve immediately to enjoy the melding of savory meat and fresh vegetable sauce, ideal with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
MEATBALLS
- 5.3 ounces ground beef 155 grams
- 5.3 ounces ground pork 155 grams
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (40 grams)
- 1-2 lices bread 1 ounce / 30 grams / softened in a little milk, without the crust
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 dashes black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons parsley fresh chopped
*If you prefer just ground beef then omit the pork and double the beef.
PEPPER TOMATO SAUCE
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 shallot minced
- 1 red pepper sliced
- 1 3/4 cups tomato puree 400 ml, aka passata
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1-2 pinches salt
- 1-2 dashes black pepper or hot pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
MEATBALLS
- In a medium bowl mix together the ground beef, pork, egg, parmesan cheese, bread (squeeze out an excess milk and break into crumb size pieces), salt, pepper and parsley. Form the mixture into 12 equal size meatballs.
- In a medium pan add 1 tablespoon of oil and brown the meatballs, turning to brown on all sides. Remove from heat.
PEPPER TOMATO SAUCE
- While the meatballs are browning start the sauce, in a large sauce pan add the 2 tablespoon of oil, minced garlic, shallot and sliced peppers (about 1/4 inch wide and 1 inch long or smaller if you prefer). Cook for 2 minutes on medium heat, then add puree, oregano, basil, salt and pepper (or hot pepper flakes) and water, mix to combine. Add the browned meatballs (remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and add to the pan), gently cover with the sauce. Cover* the pan and cook on low / medium until sauce thickens and meatballs are cooked. Approximately 25-30 minutes. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
*Uncover after 20 minutes if sauce is still very thin and raise the temperature a little to cook and thicken the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 125 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 125kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 159mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 274mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 570IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 17.5mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
