Discover the ultimate comfort food that combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with a rich, homemade tomato sauce that will transport you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 egg
- 50 g fine breadcrumbs
- 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
For the Tomato Sauce
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs
- Add grated onion, minced garlic, herbs
- Season with salt and pepper
- Mix thoroughly with hands
- Form meatballs (walnut-sized)
2. Cook Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet
- Brown meatballs over medium heat
- Cook 8-10 minutes, turning gently
- Set aside on a plate
3. Make Tomato Sauce
- In same skillet, add olive oil
- Sauté chopped onion and crushed garlic
- Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes
- Stir in sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Combine and Finish
- Return meatballs to sauce
- Simmer covered for 10 minutes
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving
Nutritional Information
Per Serving
- Calories: 380-420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Expert Cooking Tips
- Use half beef, half veal for extra tenderness
- Don’t compact meatballs too tightly
- Prepare sauce in advance for deeper flavor
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Vegetarian: Replace beef with plant-based alternative
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I bake the meatballs? Yes, bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes.
Q2: How to prevent dry meatballs? Don’t overcook and use a mix of meats.
Q3: What to serve with these meatballs? Pasta, rice, or crusty bread work well.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time? Excellent for meal prep, tastes even better next day.
Q5: How to store leftovers? Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days
- Freeze: Up to 2 months
- Cool completely before storing
- Reheat gently on stovetop
A delicious, hearty meal that brings comfort to your table!