Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are a hearty and delicious dish that features tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30-40 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Brown Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Return Meatballs: Add the browned meatballs back to the skillet, gently nestling them into the sauce.
2. Simmer: Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate: Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your hearty Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce!

Step 6: Dig In

1. Savor the Flavor: Relish the tender meatballs in the flavorful tomato sauce!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Alternative Meats: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef and tomato. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to be a favorite! Enjoy this delightful recipe!