Description
These savory Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce are a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Juicy meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, served over pasta or zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Brown meatballs in olive oil, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Cook onions, add tomatoes, paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Return meatballs to the pan, cover, and simmer until cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread.
- Try with ground turkey or beef-pork blend for variety.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
