Dive into a culinary journey that brings the warmth of Mediterranean cuisine right to your dinner table. This Beef Meatballs with Peas and Tomatoes recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, combining juicy, spice-infused meatballs with a rich, vibrant sauce that will transport your taste buds to sun-drenched landscapes. Simple yet sophisticated, this dish promises to become a family favorite that’s both satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 400g (14 oz) chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh, peeled)
- 200g (7 oz) peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (if tomatoes are sour)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, chopped garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- If using, add breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs, ensuring they are compact and uniform in size.
- Set the meatballs aside while preparing the sauce.
- Create the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to develop its flavor.
- Pour in chopped tomatoes, sweet paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- If the tomatoes are particularly sour, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce and concentrate its flavors.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Gently place the prepared meatballs into the simmering sauce.
- Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to preserve their bright color and fresh taste.
- Finish and Serve:
- Check that the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving.
- Serve hot with rice, crusty bread, or your favorite side dish.
Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
Nutritional Highlights
- High in protein from lean ground beef
- Rich in vegetables with tomatoes and peas
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
- Low-carb friendly option
Why This Recipe is a Nutritious Choice
This Beef Meatballs with Peas and Tomatoes is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. The lean ground beef provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Peas add a boost of plant-based protein, fiber, and vital nutrients like vitamin K and manganese.
The tomato-based sauce is packed with lycopene, an antioxidant known for its potential health benefits. By using minimal oil and incorporating plenty of vegetables, this dish offers a balanced approach to comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, use ground turkey or lean ground beef with a higher protein-to-fat ratio.