Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a comforting and hearty dish that has become a beloved classic in many homes around the world. Combining tender, juicy beef meatballs with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory goodness that appeals to all ages. Whether served with pasta, on a sub roll, or with a side of vegetables, Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

The meatballs are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then browned to perfection and simmered in a luscious tomato sauce. The result is a dish that is both filling and satisfying, with tender meatballs that soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, and it’s easy to make in large batches. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll find that these meatballs are a simple yet impressive dish to prepare. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, provide tips for success, and suggest fun variations to explore.

Why You’ll Love Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of beef meatballs and a rich tomato sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying. It’s a complete meal in itself, perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering.
• Versatile: Beef meatballs in tomato sauce are incredibly versatile. Serve them over pasta, on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is easy to put together. You can make it with pantry staples, and the meatballs are seasoned with herbs and spices you likely already have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish can easily be made in large batches and stored for later. The flavors only improve as they sit, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or preparing a dish ahead of time.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a comforting and familiar dish that everyone will enjoy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for the best flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to dense meatballs.

Once the mixture is well mixed, use a spoon or your hands to form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.

2. Brown the Meatballs

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They do not need to be cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.

Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Continue browning the remaining meatballs, adding more oil to the pan if necessary.

3. Make the Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Next, add the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine. Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

Once the sauce has simmered, gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over the meatballs to ensure they are coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to ensure the meatballs don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the beef meatballs in tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, with a side of garlic bread, or in a sandwich roll for a delicious meatball sub.

Tips for Perfect Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Use 80/20 Ground Beef: For the juiciest and most flavorful meatballs, use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20. The fat adds moisture and richness to the meatballs, ensuring they stay tender.
• Don’t Overwork the Meat Mixture: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Brown the Meatballs: Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce adds depth of flavor. It’s worth the extra step to ensure they develop a rich, savory crust.
• Simmer Low and Slow: After adding the meatballs to the sauce, let them simmer on low heat. This allows the meatballs to soak up the sauce’s flavor and become tender. Don’t rush this step.
• Taste the Sauce: Before adding the meatballs to the sauce, taste the tomato sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but fresh herbs elevate the flavor.

Variations of Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Cheesy Meatballs: Add a cube of mozzarella cheese to the center of each meatball before frying them. The cheese will melt and create a gooey surprise in every bite.
• Spicy Meatballs: For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture. This will add heat to the dish, complementing the rich tomato sauce.
• Vegetarian Meatballs: Substitute the beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as lentils, chickpeas, or a store-bought vegetarian substitute. The tomato sauce remains the same, making this a perfect option for vegetarians or vegans.
• Meatball Subs: Transform the beef meatballs in tomato sauce into a hearty sandwich by placing the meatballs and sauce in a toasted sub roll, then topping with melted mozzarella cheese for a classic meatball sub.
• Pasta Pairing: Instead of serving the meatballs alone, pair them with a variety of pasta shapes such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. The meatballs and sauce will coat the pasta beautifully.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce. Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. The meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat in a saucepan on the stove.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Garlic Bread: A perfect side to soak up the tomato sauce, garlic bread is always a hit when served alongside meatballs.
• Pasta: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. The pasta will absorb the tomato sauce and complement the meatballs.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers add a healthy and flavorful contrast to the rich meatballs and sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the meatballs and provide a refreshing contrast.

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Conclusion

Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. The combination of tender meatballs and rich tomato sauce makes for a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you serve it with pasta, as a meatball sub, or alongside roasted vegetables, this dish is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make a homemade meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, and with its versatility, it’s a dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy!