Description
These Delicious Beef Meatballs in Sauce are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, these meatballs are simmered in a rich and savory tomato sauce. Perfect for serving over pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own with a side of garlic bread. This easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for 5 minutes, until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring and turning the meatballs to ensure they cook evenly.
- Serve:
- Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, on crusty bread for meatball sandwiches, or enjoy them as a hearty appetizer.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- You can freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months before or after cooking.
- For extra flavor, you can add freshly chopped basil to the sauce at the end.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Course