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Savor the Flavor: Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Savor the Flavor: Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce - Featured Image

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Learn how to make delicious Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

To recreate this classic dish, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll require:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 large eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

If you’re looking for substitutes, ground turkey can be used in place of beef for a lighter version, and gluten-free breadcrumbs work well for a gluten-free option.

Instructions

Creating this dish is like weaving a tapestry of flavors and aromas. Here’s how to bring it to life:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined. Remember, overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a tray as you go.
  3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the meatballs to the pot, browning them on all sides. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
  5. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside. In the same pot, add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine, letting the sauce come to a simmer.
  6. Return the meatballs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.