Best Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Name: Best 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

Best Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

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.

Ingredients

Servings

Meatballs

Tomato Sauce

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).

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Tips & Tricks

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

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.