Aunt Rachel's Juicy Meatballs
These melt-in-your-mouth meatballs are simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce that makes every bite incredibly tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground beef (450g)
- •1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (60g)
- •1 large egg
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (15g)
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- •1 medium yellow onion, diced
- •1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz / 800g)
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •1/2 cup water or low-sodium beef broth (120ml)
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, half of the minced garlic, parsley, half of the salt, and black pepper until just mixed.
- 2
Shape the meat mixture into 12 to 16 evenly sized meatballs, rolling them gently between your palms.
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 4
Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally; they do not need to be fully cooked through yet.
- 5
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- 6
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and remaining garlic, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- 7
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, water or broth, dried oregano, and the remaining salt, stirring well to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 8
Return the meatballs and any accumulated juices back into the simmering sauce.
- 9
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes so the meatballs absorb the flavors and become fully tender.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra tender meatballs, handle the meat as little as possible when mixing and forming.
- You can make these meatballs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Serve hot over freshly cooked spaghetti, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features tender, succulent meatballs enveloped in a thick, fragrant tomato sauce with a rich, savory aroma.