Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 55 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
903 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Italian
Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Description
The Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe features ground chuck beef blended with egg, Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, oregano, dried mint, salt, and freshly ground pepper, shaped into bite-sized meatballs. These are gently cooked in a homemade tomato sauce made by browning onions in olive oil, adding garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper then simmering to develop flavor. The slow simmer allows the meatballs to cook through while infusing the sauce with their juices, creating a rich, savory base.
The tomato sauce has a balanced flavor profile with the sweetness of sugar, the earthiness of oregano, and the warmth of garlic and onion. The meatballs are tender, thanks to gentle mixing and steady simmering. This dish can be served atop pasta such as penne or ziti, absorbing the sauce nicely, or spooned over creamy polenta as an alternative. Garnishing with parsley and Parmesan cheese adds freshness and umami richness.
Serving the meatballs with pasta or polenta makes a satisfying meal suitable for dinner or a casual gathering. The recipe suggests letting the sauce simmer at least 30 minutes for full flavor development. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The meatballs can also be served alone as an appetizer, showcasing their flavorful seasoning.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion , finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
- 4 cloves garlic , pressed or minced
- 1 28- ounce crushed tomatoes or puréed tomatoes
- 1 6- ounce tomato paste canned
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chuck beef
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs Italian-seasoned
- 2 teaspoons oregano dried
- 2 teaspoons dried mint
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 12 ounces tube pasta , (such as penne or ziti)
- Parmesan Cheese , for serving
- parsley for garnish, chopped
Instructions
For the sauce:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook to deepen the color for more flavor.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste and stir well. Add the sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn't burn and the flavors develop.
For the meatballs:
- Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs. Break the beef apart in a large bowl. Add the beaten egg, bread crumbs, oregano, mint, salt and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until blended. Don't overwork the beef or the meatballs will be tough.
- Shape the mixture into about 12 1 ½-inch meatballs. Drop them into the sauce and stir gently to cover in the sauce. Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Drain.
- Remove the meatballs from the sauce and add the pasta. Gently stir to coat the pasta then add the meatballs back to the pan. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- The meatballs can be served with pasta as instructed, or spooned over creamy polenta for a different accompaniment.
- Simmer the sauce gently, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to deepen the flavors.
- Using Italian-seasoned bread crumbs and dried mint gives the meatballs a unique taste that balances the tomato sauce.
- For best texture, avoid overworking the meat mixture when combining ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 903 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 903kcal | 45% |
| Carbohydrates | 106g | 35% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 122mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 1188mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 1720mg | 37% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 1342IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 33mg | 37% |
| Calcium | 202mg | 20% |
| Iron | 9mg | 50% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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