The Best Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe Ever

Let’s dive right into these hearty Italian-style meatballs that promise a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Succulent ground beef mingles with herbs and spices, creating a mouthwatering blend.

Fragrant parmesan cheese adds depth to each perfectly seasoned bite.

Simmering slowly in a rich tomato sauce, these classic morsels will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in naples.

Crisp breadcrumbs provide a delightful texture that makes every forkful irresistible.

Simplicity meets culinary magic in this comforting dish that everyone around the table will adore.

Come hungry and leave satisfied with this irresistible meal that celebrates authentic italian comfort food.

What Makes Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Classic

• Master Authentic Italian Flavors: Create restaurant-quality meatballs packed with traditional herbs and spices that transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare a complete meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can confidently execute.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to everyone from kids to adults, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a standalone dish, making it adaptable to different meal preferences and occasions.

Ingredients for Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich foundation for creating hearty meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: These ingredients help bind the meatballs together and maintain a tender texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth to the meatball mixture.
• Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that provide aromatic and traditional Italian flavor.

• Garlic, Onion: Essential ingredients that build a deep, complex flavor base for the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Dried Basil, Sugar: Create a classic Italian-style tomato sauce with a balanced sweetness and herbal notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning meatballs and sautéing vegetables, adding a subtle Mediterranean flavor.

• Fresh Basil: A bright, aromatic finishing touch that adds freshness to the dish.

Steps for Italian-Style Meatballs With Sauce

Step 1: Blend Meat Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, and seasonings. Use your hands to gently mix ingredients until evenly distributed.

The goal is creating a uniform mixture without overworking the meat.

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Milk
• Egg
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter.

Keep hands slightly damp to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, consistent shapes.

Step 3: Brown Meatball Exteriors

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place meatballs into the pan, rotating every couple minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on all sides. This process takes around 5 minutes and helps seal in delicious flavors.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Sauce Base

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant essence.

Step 5: Develop Tomato Sauce

Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, incorporating dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a touch of sugar. Allow sauce to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 6: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Gently return browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cover and let them cook together, allowing the meat to become tender and absorb the sauce’s rich flavors.

Cook for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are completely cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer meatballs and sauce to a serving platter.

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of herbaceous brightness. Serve piping hot alongside pasta or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Tips for Tender Italian Meatballs Every Time

• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
• Use a blend of ground meats like beef and pork for more complex, rich taste profiles.
• Add milk-soaked breadcrumbs to maintain meatball softness and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Pat meatballs dry before browning to ensure crispy exterior and minimize oil splattering.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.

Ways to Switch Up Your Meatballs

• Turkey Meatball Variation: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option with similar seasoning profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Meatball Alternative: Use plant-based ground meat substitute like Beyond Meat or lentil-based mixture with identical spice blend for a meat-free experience.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Eliminate breadcrumbs, increase cheese content, and serve meatballs over zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for reduced carbohydrate intake.

Best Pairings for Italian Meatball Dinners

Select a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the tomato sauce’s acidity.

Prepare crispy, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the tender meatballs.

Craft a light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and cherry tomatoes to balance the hearty main dish and add refreshing brightness.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over the meatballs and pasta to intensify the savory notes and add a luxurious, creamy finish.

Storing Italian Meatballs for Later

• Transfer meatballs and sauce to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is clean and cooled to room temperature before storing.
• Pack meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour meatballs and sauce into a skillet, cover, and warm over medium-low heat.

FAQs

• How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

Use a light touch when mixing ingredients and avoid overmixing. Chilling the meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better.

• Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, turkey, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the fat content is similar to maintain moisture and flavor.

• What's the best way to check if meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This guarantees the meatballs are safe to eat and properly cooked through.

Italian-Style Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Italian-style Meatballs dance with rich tomato sauce, bringing classic Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables. Packed with herbs, these tender meat parcels promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground pork

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Craft compact, uniform meatballs approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F), carefully positioning meatballs to achieve a golden-brown exterior, rotating periodically for about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and preserving their crisp exterior.
5. Using the identical skillet, introduce additional olive oil and gently sauté onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3 minutes.
6. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds without burning.
7. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, integrating dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.
8. Delicately reintroduce meatballs into the simmering sauce, covering the skillet and allowing them to cook thoroughly for 20-25 minutes.
9. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and serving immediately alongside pasta or crusty bread.

Notes

• Bind ingredients thoroughly to prevent meatballs from falling apart during cooking, using gentle mixing techniques without overworking the meat.
• Create uniform meatball sizes using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon for consistent cooking and professional appearance.
• Consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter, diet-friendly versions that maintain similar flavor profiles.
• Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during simmering for complex, rich undertones.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg