Description
These Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are a classic comfort food, perfect for dinner any day of the week. Made with ground beef and seasoned with Italian herbs, these tender meatballs are simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that will leave you craving more. This recipe is easy to make, filling, and great for serving with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread. A family favorite that’s perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce:
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/2 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. -
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Working in batches, cook the meatballs for 5-6 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re browned on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside. -
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer. -
Simmer the Meatballs:
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over each meatball, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is flavorful.
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Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil and serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, rice, or bread.
Notes
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You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to make this dish leaner.
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For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
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These meatballs freeze well, so feel free to make a big batch and store some for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 50mg