Description

These Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce are a hearty and flavorful Italian-American main course. Juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs are browned to perfection and then simmered in a thick, savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes. This comforting dish is perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

Tomato Sauce

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook, turning them to brown all sides evenly. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes total. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through fully while the sauce thickens and melds with the flavors of the meat.
Serve: Garnish the finished dish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve the meatballs hot, ideally over your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

These meatballs freeze well—store them in sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.