Classic Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce
Tender, juicy Italian-style meatballs simmered slowly in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for serving with pasta or crusty bread.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
- 500 g ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion until soft and translucent.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and basil.
- Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with pasta or bread.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- You can bake meatballs at 200°C for 15 minutes before adding to sauce.
- Sauce tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Italian meatballs, tomato sauce, classic meatballs, homemade meatballs