Description
These Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce offer a classic and comforting dish featuring tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this recipe combines savory herbs and Parmesan cheese for authentic Italian taste in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the 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 gently until just combined. Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook the meatballs for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned evenly on all sides. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce, spooning some sauce over each meatball. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is well infused with flavors.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with fresh basil, and serve the hearty meatballs alongside your favorite pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
- For added heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of crushed chili flakes.
- These meatballs freeze well—cook them through and freeze individual portions for easy meals later.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground oats.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when browning meatballs to ensure they brown evenly.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce make a great topping for pizza or a filling for sandwiches.
