Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce

Meatballs are a versatile staple that can elevate any meal, from hearty spaghetti to tasty subs. This classic recipe features rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice, perfectly paired with a fragrant tomato basil sauce. The best part? You can prepare a batch ahead and freeze them for future culinary adventures.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

🥩 3 pounds ground beef

🥚 1 egg

🧅 1 large onion, grated

🧄 5 cloves of garlic, minced

🌿 1 cup chopped parsley

🧀 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

🍞 1 cup plain or Italian style breadcrumbs

🥛 4 tablespoons milk

🌶️ 1 teaspoon black pepper

🧂 1 tablespoon salt

🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika

🌶️ 1 teaspoon chili flakes, or to taste

🫒 4 tablespoons oil (for searing)

For the Sauce:

🧅 1 medium onion, chopped

🧄 3 cloves of garlic, minced

🍅 2 (28oz) cans of crushed tomatoes

🧂 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

🍃 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

🌿 Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1- Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, black pepper, salt, paprika, and chili flakes.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well-incorporated.
Form the mixture into meatballs, sizing them according to your preference.

2- Cook the Meatballs:

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Sear the meatballs on all sides until they are browned. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

3- Make the Sauce:

In the same pan, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until softened.
Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
Return the meatballs to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4- Finish and Serve:

Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and garnish with fresh basil.
Serve the meatballs hot, alongside your choice of pasta, bread, or as a stand-alone dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings

Calories (per serving): Approximately 450

Nutrition (per serving): 28g protein, 25g fat, 20g carbohydrates

Equipment: Large mixing bowl, large pan/skillet, spatula, measuring cups and spoons