Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Name: Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 250 g ground beef; 250 g ground pork; 1 egg (beaten); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 1 onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 can crushed tomatoes (796 ml); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

70 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Savoury and tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for any family dinner.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

70 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Meatballs in tomato sauce are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Originating from various European cuisines, these meatballs are traditionally made with a mixture of meats and cooked in a hearty tomato sauce. This recipe captures the essence of a grandmother's comforting dish, delivering tender meatballs that are perfectly seasoned and bathed in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

Instructions

Prepare the meatball mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Pro tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Shape the meatballs

Form the mixture into 16 equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Pro tip: Wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.

Brown the meatballs

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Pro tip: Searing adds flavour and keeps the meatballs intact.

Cook the onion and garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Pro tip: Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Simmer the sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine meatballs and sauce

Return the meatballs to the skillet. Spoon sauce over them, cover, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

Pro tip: Ensure the internal temperature of meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C).

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use a mix of beef and pork for tender meatballs.
Sear the meatballs for a rich flavour before simmering.
Allow the sauce to simmer for deeper flavours.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are polpette de veau?

Polpette de veau are veal meatballs, often served in tomato sauce.

How do I make the best meatballs?

Use a mix of meats, don't overmix, and sear before simmering in sauce.

What is a traditional meatball sauce?

A traditional sauce is a rich tomato base with herbs like basil and oregano.

Can I substitute beef with veal?

Yes, veal can be used for a milder flavour and softer texture.

How long should meatballs cook in the sauce?

Simmer meatballs in sauce for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs with a generous helping of pasta or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. If you're planning ahead, these meatballs can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat them gently on the stove before serving. Pair this dish with a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine to complement the robust flavours of the tomato sauce.

Nutrition per serving

420

Calories

25g

Protein

20g

Fat

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