Meatballs Español: A Flavorful Spanish-Inspired Delight
Embrace the rich, savory flavors of Spain with this delectable Meatballs Español recipe. This dish, perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends, brings together tender meatballs and a luscious tomato sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe will surely be a hit!
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) stewed tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
To Serve:
- Cooked rice (as needed)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. -
Form and Bake Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs and place them in a greased shallow baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside. -
Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the stewed tomatoes and sliced zucchini. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch with the beef broth until smooth. Stir this mixture into the tomato and zucchini sauce. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. -
Combine and Finish Cooking:
After the meatballs have baked for 20 minutes, remove them from the oven. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the meatballs and return the pan to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce. -
Serve:
Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, serve them hot over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal with your loved ones!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 660
- Fat Content: 18.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Cholesterol: 169 milligrams
- Sodium: 823.6 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 80.3 grams
- Fiber: 4.3 grams
- Sugar: 11.7 grams
- Protein: 41.6 grams
This Meatballs Español recipe not only brings a taste of Spain to your table but also ensures a satisfying and nourishing meal. The tender meatballs paired with the rich, flavorful sauce make for an irresistible combination that is sure to please everyone at your dining table. Enjoy! 🌟🍽️
