Rustic Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe: Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these authentic Italian meatballs in tomato sauce deliver pure comfort.

Rich, tender meatballs swimming in a robust, fragrant sauce promise an unforgettable meal straight from traditional kitchens.

Generations of Italian cooks have perfected this classic technique, blending ground beef with herbs and spices.

Each carefully crafted meatball absorbs the deep, tangy flavors of slow-simmered tomato sauce.

Breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese create a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.

A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish to this soulful dish.

Bring the warmth of Italy to your table and savor every delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Ground Beef: Choose lean meat for juicy, tender meatballs with balanced fat content.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and creates a soft, tender texture for meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binding agent to hold meatball mixture together.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and enhances overall meatball complexity.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
• Oregano: Delivers classic Italian herbal notes with a slightly peppery undertone.
• Basil: Introduces fresh, sweet herbaceous flavor characteristic of Italian cuisine.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings subtle heat and vibrant spiciness to the meatball mixture.
• Salt: Highlights and balances all other flavor profiles in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle background spice.

• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and helps create a more tender, moist meatball texture.

Tools That Help You Roll & Cook Italian Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meat and ingredients thoroughly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for soaking breadcrumbs and mixing wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for accurate seasoning.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Helps mince garlic and chop herbs finely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing meat mixture without overworking it.
• Baking sheet or plate: Convenient spot for forming and setting meatballs.
• Skillet or large pan: Ideal for browning and cooking meatballs in sauce.

Instructions for Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Soak Bread Crumbs

Grab your breadcrumbs and splash some milk over them, letting them get soft and juicy for about 5 minutes.

• Create Meatball Magic

Dive into a big mixing bowl and combine ground beef with your milky breadcrumbs, cracking in a fresh egg for binding. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a blend of oregano and basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick, then season with salt and pepper.

• Shape Your Meatballs

Gently roll the mixture into cute little globes, making each one roughly the size of a golf ball. Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, round shapes.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place your meatballs in the pan, giving them space to dance and develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Simmer in Sauce

Pour your favorite tomato sauce over the browned meatballs, reducing heat to low. Cover and let them simmer, soaking up all those rich, tangy flavors for about 15-20 minutes until they’re perfectly cooked through.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate your meatballs over pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips for Juicier Italian Meatballs

• Breadcrumb Perfection: Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes to ensure extra-tender, moist meatballs that melt in your mouth.
• Meat Mixing Magic: Use your hands to gently mix ingredients, avoiding overworking the meat to keep meatballs light and fluffy.
• Uniform Size Trick: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create evenly sized meatballs that cook consistently.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Lean Protein Twist: Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative that's lower in fat.

Plating Italian Meatballs with Sauce

• Rustic Pasta Companion: Serve these hearty meatballs over al dente spaghetti or linguine, allowing the rich tomato sauce to coat each strand for a classic Italian-style dinner.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Transform these meatballs into a crowd-pleasing party appetizer by serving them on toothpicks with a small dollop of marinara sauce, perfect for gatherings and game nights.
• Sandwich Sensation: Create mouthwatering meatball subs by nestling the warm meatballs in crusty Italian bread, topped with melted mozzarella and extra marinara sauce for a satisfying lunch option.
• Salad Protein Boost: Slice the meatballs and scatter them over a crisp mixed green salad with fresh herbs, adding a protein-packed punch to your light meal.

Best Way to Keep Meatballs Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sealed environment prevents moisture loss and maintains delicious flavor.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Package cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. These tasty bites can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Reheating Techniques: Warm refrigerated meatballs in microwave for 1-2 minutes or gently reheat in a skillet with extra tomato sauce. Low and slow heating prevents drying out the meat.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare a double batch and portion into individual servings. Weeknight dinners become super quick and convenient when you have pre-made meatballs ready to go.

Hearty Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian meatballs in tomato sauce bring comfort from generations of family kitchens in Naples. Savory beef and herbs meld perfectly, promising a delicious journey through authentic Mediterranean flavors you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
• ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for frying)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz/800 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Breadcrumb Preparation: Hydrate breadcrumbs with milk, creating a moist, cohesive foundation for the meatballs.
2. Meat Mixture Integration: Blend ground beef with milk-soaked breadcrumbs, incorporating egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and seasonings into a harmonious mixture.
3. Meatball Formation: Gently shape meat mixture into consistent, golf ball-sized spheres, avoiding excessive handling to maintain tender texture.
4. Searing Process: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, strategically positioning meatballs to develop a golden-brown crust that locks in savory flavors.
5. Sauce Immersion: Envelop meatballs with tomato sauce, reducing heat to a gentle simmer that allows flavors to meld and ingredients to cook thoroughly.
6. Cooking Completion: Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, ensuring meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F while absorbing the sauce’s rich essence.
7. Culinary Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan, creating an authentic Italian dining experience.

Notes

• Breadcrumb Hydration Technique: Soak breadcrumbs in milk to create a tender, moist meatball texture that prevents dryness and enhances overall flavor absorption.
• Gentle Mixing Method: Avoid overmixing meat to prevent tough, dense meatballs; use light hand movements to maintain a delicate, soft protein structure.
• Uniform Size Matters: Roll meatballs to consistent 1-1.5 inch diameter for even cooking and professional presentation, ensuring no undercooked or overcooked portions.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 160°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe consumption while preserving juicy, flavorful meatball integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg