Description
These Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce are a classic Italian-American comfort food dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Juicy meatballs made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce until tender and delicious. Serve over spaghetti or with crusty bread for a hearty meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, heat olive oil for the sauce. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and red wine if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Return meatballs to the pan, cover, and cook on low heat for 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is rich and thickened. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, avoid overmixing the meat.
- The red wine deepens flavor but can be omitted.
- This sauce and meatballs freeze well—cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Browning and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
