Description
Delicious and hearty Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce, perfect for a comforting Italian main course. These tender meatballs are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce and can be served over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until ingredients are combined, then shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Remove browned meatballs and set them aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar if using. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan and let the meatballs simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot. Ideal accompaniments include pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- For variation, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a blend of beef and pork.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container.
