Zesty Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe – Try It Tonight!

Succulent meatballs swimming in rich tomato sauce bring comfort to every home-cooked Italian meatballs in tomato sauce meal.

Each tender morsel promises a burst of authentic flavor and warmth.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic dish, blending ground meats with fragrant herbs and spices.

The aroma wafting from the kitchen signals a delicious experience ahead.

Perfectly seasoned and carefully crafted, these meatballs transform an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Regional ingredients and traditional techniques combine to create a truly satisfying plate.

These mouthwatering meatballs will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

• Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for tender, juicy meatballs with less greasiness.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and create a soft, delicate texture in the meatballs.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and adds moisture to prevent dry meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold meatball mixture together.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and complexity to the meatball taste.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic, pungent undertones that elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that deliver authentic Mediterranean zest.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle, warming heat to the meatball mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying the other ingredients' natural flavors.

Tools And Utensils For Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing meat mixture.
• Small bowl: Perfect for soaking breadcrumbs in milk.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like milk, cheese, and spices.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Useful for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing meat and breadcrumb mixture.
• Baking sheet or plate: Convenient for rolling and placing meatballs before cooking.

Instructions For Cooking Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

• Soften Breadcrumbs

Drench breadcrumbs in milk, letting them absorb the liquid and become tender and plump.

• Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

Combine ground beef with soaked breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, and spices in a large mixing bowl. Gently blend ingredients until they’re evenly distributed, ensuring each bite will be packed with delicious taste.

• Shape Meatballs

Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into perfect round spheres about the size of a golf ball. Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking and help create smooth, uniform meatballs.

Flavor Tips & Adjustments For Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

• Moisture Magic: Soak breadcrumbs in milk to ensure super tender and juicy meatballs that melt in your mouth.
• Gentle Mixing Method: Use your hands to mix ingredients lightly without overworking the meat, which keeps meatballs soft and prevents tough texture.
• Perfect Size Trick: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatball sizes for even cooking and professional presentation.
• Lean Meat Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein version that's lower in fat but still packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Serve Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

• Pasta Perfect Pairing: Serve these juicy meatballs over a steaming bed of spaghetti or linguine, allowing the rich tomato sauce to coat each strand for a classic Italian dinner experience.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty Italian bread or ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a delightful side that captures every last drop of flavor.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top of the meatballs just before serving, adding a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish and brings a pop of color to the plate.
• Wine Harmony: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the meatballs and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storing And Reheating Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

• Quick Chill Technique: Store freshly made meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.
• Freezer-Friendly Stash: Arrange uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient storage up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs gently in tomato sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain their tender texture and prevent drying out.
• Portioning Prep: Divide leftover meatballs into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, maximizing convenience and reducing food waste.

Hearty Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian meatballs simmering in rich tomato sauce bring classic Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables. Savory ground beef, herbs, and Parmesan cheese combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
• 1 can (28 oz/800 grams) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for frying)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Breadcrumb Preparation: Saturate breadcrumbs with milk, allowing them to transform into a soft, moisture-rich texture that will enhance the meatballs’ delicate consistency.
2. Flavor Fusion: Merge ground beef with plumped breadcrumbs, introducing egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into a comprehensive mixture that promises robust taste and delectable complexity.
3. Meatball Composition: Meticulously blend and knead the protein mixture until ingredients are perfectly integrated, ensuring a harmonious distribution that guarantees each bite delivers consistent flavor and optimal tenderness.
4. Shaping Technique: Sculpt uniform spherical meatballs using gentle palm rolling, creating golf ball-sized portions that promise even cooking and visually appealing presentation, setting the stage for culinary excellence.
5. Cooking Preparation: Position the crafted meatballs strategically, primed for their preferred cooking method—whether destined for sizzling pan-frying, precise oven baking, or luxurious simmering within a rich tomato sauce landscape.

Notes

• Moistening Breadcrumbs Carefully: Use room temperature milk to help breadcrumbs absorb liquid perfectly, creating a softer, more tender meatball texture without making the mixture too wet.
• Mixing Meat Gently: Avoid overworking the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs; mix just until ingredients are evenly distributed for a light, delicate consistency.
• Sizing Meatballs Consistently: Use a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon to ensure uniform size, which guarantees even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions; use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg