Craving a comforting meal that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen? Look no further! Our Easy Homemade Meatballs with Tomato Sauce are not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor that will have your family asking for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that features juicy, tender meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, perfect for serving over pasta or alongside crusty bread. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform round meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-14 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior and even cooking.
- Once meatballs are browned, pour tomato sauce into the skillet, covering the meatballs partially. Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing meatballs to cook through completely.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety. The meat should no longer be pink in the center.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with pasta, over rice, or with crusty bread. Enjoy your homemade meatballs!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish—consider adding some chopped basil or oregano to the meat mixture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Uniform Size Matters: Aim for meatballs that are about
- 5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking. This way, they’ll brown nicely and cook through at the same rate.
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the meatballs in the skillet creates a delicious crust that adds depth to the flavor before simmering in the sauce.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the tomato sauce for at least 15-20 minutes. This not only cooks them through but also infuses them with the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety and optimal texture.
- Serve Creatively: These meatballs are versatile—serve them over spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or alongside garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
