Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
These tender, herb-infused beef meatballs simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce are the ultimate comfort food for any family dinner.
Ingredients
- •1 lb (450g) ground beef
- •1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- •1 large egg, lightly beaten
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- •1 tsp kosher salt
- •1/2 tsp black pepper
- •2 tbsp olive oil
- •1 small onion, finely diced
- •28 oz (800g) crushed tomatoes
- •1 tsp dried oregano
- •1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, half of the minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- 2
Shape the mixture into 12-14 uniform meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- 4
In the same pan, add the diced onion and the remaining garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- 5
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and sugar. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Return the meatballs to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra tender meatballs, avoid packing the meat too tightly when rolling; a light touch ensures they stay soft.
- You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve these over your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features juicy, tender meatballs coated in a fragrant, deep red tomato sauce that smells of garlic and fresh herbs, offering a perfectly balanced savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.