Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the savory goodness of homemade Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, a classic dish bursting with flavor. These tender meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served with pasta or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite!
Recipe Information:
- Category: Meat
- Keywords: European, < 15 Mins
- Servings: 4
- Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 17
- Calories: 418.7 per serving
- Total Fat: 27.7g
- Saturated Fat: 6.2g
- Cholesterol: 107.8mg
- Sodium: 1239.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5.5g
- Sugar: 14.2g
- Protein: 13.5g
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 3/4 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Parsley | 1/3 cup |
| Dried Basil | 1 tsp |
| Tomatoes | 28 oz can |
| Tomato Paste | 6 oz |
| Dry Red Wine | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Romano Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Oregano | 2 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Ground Chuck | 1 lb |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a heavy saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chopped parsley, dried basil, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, dry red wine, sugar, grated Romano cheese, salt, and dried oregano.
- Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes until thickened and flavors meld together.
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine torn bread soaked in water (squeeze out excess liquid), ground chuck, beaten eggs, grated Romano cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into 8 meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking.
-
Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them often to ensure even browning.
- Avoid crowding the pan to allow proper browning.
-
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce:
- Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the tomato sauce using a slotted spoon.
- Simmer the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, for an additional 30 minutes.
- This allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a more delicious dish.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Italian meatballs with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.
- Alternatively, for enhanced flavor, allow the meatballs to cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days before serving.
- Reheat gently before serving to enjoy the full depth of flavors.
Pro Tips:
- For the best texture and flavor, consider grinding your own chuck for the meatballs.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; allowing the sauce to simmer slowly enhances its depth of flavor.
- To make ahead, prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and simmer when ready to serve.
- Garnish with additional grated Romano cheese and fresh parsley before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Indulge in the authentic taste of Italian cuisine with these homemade meatballs in tomato sauce. Bursting with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🍝🇮🇹
