Description
These Italian-style meatballs in tomato sauce are a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a hearty family dinner. Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with herbs and Parmesan, are served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and milk. Form into meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Brown meatballs in olive oil, then set aside. Cook chopped onion in the same skillet. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer and return meatballs to the pan to cook through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot over pasta, rice, or bread.
Notes
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Meatballs can be baked at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
