Go Back
+ servings

Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These juicy and tender meatballs are simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect with pasta, on a sandwich, or as a delicious appetizer, they are a true comfort food!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cloves garlic garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup milk milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil olive oil (for frying)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil olive oil
  • 1 onion onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic garlic, minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes red pepper flakes (optional) for heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, heat more olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add the browned meatballs into the sauce, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10g
Keyword Italian Meatballs, Meatballs, Pasta, Tomato Sauce
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!