Here’s a quick and easy recipe for Meatballs in Tomato Sauce that you can whip up in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving a comforting meal.
Quick Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using).
- Mix the ingredients gently until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20-24 meatballs, depending on your preferred size.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned all over. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point; they’ll cook further in the sauce.
- Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the basil, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Cook the Meatballs in the Sauce:
- Gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the simmering tomato sauce.
- Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for another 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through (the internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F).
5. Serve:
- Serve the meatballs with the sauce over pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread.
- You can also top them with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce as it simmers, or a dollop of ricotta cheese on top of the meatballs for richness.
- Meat options: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatball mix for variation.
- Make-ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for later use.
This Quick Meatballs in Tomato Sauce recipe is simple, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the long cooking time! Enjoy!