Recipe
Easy Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Published: April 1, 2024
Discover a simple and delicious meatball recipe with a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy family dinner. Try this recipe today!
Whipping up my easy meatballs in tomato sauce tonight. Juicy beef, aromatic herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect comfort food, can't wait to dig in!
(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for HomePressureCooking.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)
Looking for an easy, hearty dinner? I've got just the ticket - my fail-safe meatballs in tomato sauce recipe. Imagine: juicy, tender meatballs soaked in rich, herby tomato sauce. Makes your mouth water, doesn't it? Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. You'll love the simplicity and deliciousness of this dish. So, ready to turn your kitchen into an Italian trattoria? Let's get started.
Ingredients for Delicious Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
- Ground beef: Essential for meatballs, provides flavor and texture, a staple ingredient for a classic and hearty dish.
- Breadcrumbs: Bind the meatballs together, absorb moisture, and add texture, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape and are tender.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the meatballs, enhancing the overall taste and providing a hint of umami.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatball mixture together and giving the meatballs a tender texture.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the meatballs with a delicious garlic flavor, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
- Onion powder: Provides a subtle onion flavor to the meatballs, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering other ingredients.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs and adding flavor to the sauce, it brings a rich and savory element to the dish.
- Crushed tomatoes: Form the base of the tomato sauce, adding a tangy sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Dried oregano: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the tomato sauce, complementing the meatballs and enhancing the overall taste.
- Dried basil: Infuses the tomato sauce with a fresh, herbaceous flavor, elevating the dish with its aromatic and slightly sweet notes.
When making these meatballs, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce for a subtle tangy flavor that complements the richness of the meat.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining meatball ingredients evenly without overmixing, ensuring a tender texture.
- Skillet: Used to brown the meatballs and simmer them in the tomato sauce, adding flavor and creating a delicious crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.
Nutritional value:
Per Serving in Calories: 380 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 25 g | Total Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 110 mg | Sodium: 680 mg | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 6 g | Calcium: 150 mg | Potassium: 600 mg | Iron: 4 mg | Vitamin A: 200 µg | Vitamin C: 15 mg
Tips for Making Meatballs Ahead of Time and Freezing
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs as per the recipe.
- Instead of cooking them in the sauce, place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cook the meatballs in the tomato sauce as directed in the recipe.
Freezing Instructions
- Allow the cooked meatballs and sauce to cool completely.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
