Meatballs and Sauce Recipe ๐
Overview:
Indulge in the savory delight of homemade Meatballs and Sauce! This recipe, courtesy of lovewithrecipes.com, brings together the rich flavors of perfectly seasoned meatballs smothered in a delicious tomato sauce. Ideal for Canadian-themed gatherings, potluck dinners, or simply satisfying a weeknight craving, this dish is a surefire hit. Best of all, it’s a breeze to prepare, requiring just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal effort. Let’s dive into the culinary magic!
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 1 casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of ground hamburger
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (approximately 15 ounces) of tomato sauce
- Seasonings to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground hamburger, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, and your preferred seasonings. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring a flavorful base for your meatballs.
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Form the Meatballs:
- Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Roll each portion between your palms until they are round and smooth, ensuring uniform cooking.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, pour the tomato sauce. You can enhance the sauce with additional seasonings such as garlic, Italian herbs, or chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
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Assembly:
- Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of your cooking vessel, whether it’s a slow cooker or an oven-safe casserole dish.
- Once all meatballs are in place, pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over them, ensuring each meatball is generously coated.
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Cooking Options:
- Slow Cooker Method: If using a slow cooker, set it to the desired cooking time and temperature according to your appliance’s instructions. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for several hours until tender and flavorful.
- Oven Method: For oven preparation, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the casserole dish containing the meatballs and sauce in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked to perfection, remove the meatballs and sauce from the heat source.
- Serve the Meatballs and Sauce hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 517.9
- Total Fat: 27.4g
- Saturated Fat: 10.3g
- Cholesterol: 205.1mg
- Sodium: 172.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14.5g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 1.3g
- Protein: 50.1g
Keywords:
Canadian, Potluck, Weeknight, Roast, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Tips:
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor profile of your meatballs and sauce.
- Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- For added richness, mix grated Parmesan cheese into the meatball mixture before shaping.
- Adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your preferred level of meatball tenderness and sauce thickness.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible aroma and mouthwatering taste, this Meatballs and Sauce recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether served as a hearty main course, appetizer, or sandwich filling, it’s a versatile dish that never fails to impress. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of homemade goodness!
