Description
A classic and comforting dish of tender, savory beef meatballs simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is easy to make and full of homestyle flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal juiciness)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar, stirring to combine.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For juicier meatballs, use 80/20 ground beef.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
- Browning meatballs in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking.
- Simmering allows flavors to meld and meatballs to cook through.
- Adjust sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal per serving (estimate)
- Sugar: Approximately 10-15g per serving (estimate)
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg per serving (estimate)
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g per serving (estimate)
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g per serving (estimate)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15-20g per serving (estimate)
- Trans Fat: Less than 1g per serving (estimate)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g per serving (estimate)
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g per serving (estimate)
- Protein: Approximately 25-35g per serving (estimate)
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-150mg per serving (estimate)