🍝 Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Juicy, tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect served over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1½ lbs (680 g) lean ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (14 oz/400 g each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk.
2. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Roll into 18–20 meatballs (about 1½ inches each).

2. Brown the Meatballs

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the meatballs for 2–3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
3. Transfer to a plate.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil.
2. Sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and basil.
6. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Simmer

1. Return the meatballs to the sauce.
2. Cover and simmer over low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

5. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Spaghetti or fettuccine
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Garlic bread
• Polenta
• Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash (low-carb)
• A crisp green salad

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🥣 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 31 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g

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💡 Tips

• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
• A blend of beef and pork creates especially juicy, flavorful meatballs.
• Let the sauce simmer gently rather than boil to keep the meatballs moist.
• The flavor improves after a day in the refrigerator, making this an excellent meal-prep recipe.
• Freeze cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.