Homemade Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Crafting delectable italian-style meatballs can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Succulent ground beef mingles with aromatic herbs and sharp cheese, creating irresistible flavor combinations.

Skilled home cooks understand how each ingredient contributes to the perfect bite.

Mediterranean traditions inspire these tender spheres of savory goodness.

Fragrant garlic and fresh parsley add unexpected depth to each morsel.

Simmering slowly in rich tomato sauce, these meatballs promise comfort and satisfaction.

Best Storage Practices for Italian Meatballs in Sauce

• Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent air exposure and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What's the secret to keeping meatballs tender?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and use gentle hands when shaping the meatballs. Overmixing can make them tough and dense.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatballs moist.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160F (71C). The initial baking and simmering in sauce helps ensure they’re cooked through.

• Is it necessary to use passata, or can I substitute it?

Passata provides a smooth, fresh tomato flavor, but you can replace it with crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.

Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Craft Flavor-Packed Bites: These meatballs burst with authentic Italian herbs and seasonings, delivering a robust taste profile that transports you straight to a cozy trattoria.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by using different ground meats like turkey or pork, making it perfect for diverse dietary preferences and family meal variations.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking: Create a professional-level dish with simple techniques that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredient, Maximum Satisfaction: Requires just a few pantry staples and common herbs, allowing home cooks to produce a delicious meal without complicated shopping lists or expensive components.

Ingredients Needed for Italian-Style Meatballs in Sauce

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture for the meatballs.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Grated Onion: These ingredients help keep the meatballs moist and create a tender, soft interior.

• Basil, Oregano, Salt: These herbs add authentic Italian flavor and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil, Diced Onion: These ingredients create a flavorful foundation for the tomato sauce.

• Garlic, Tomato Paste: These ingredients provide depth and intense tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Passata: A smooth tomato sauce that creates a rich and authentic Italian-style base.

• Spaghetti: A traditional Italian pasta that perfectly complements the meatballs and sauce.

• Fresh Basil: A bright, aromatic herb that adds a fresh finish to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Italian Meatballs in Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

Preheat your oven to a toasty 425F. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine ground beef with breadcrumbs.

• Basil
• Oregano
• Salt

Use lightly oiled hands to form 8 perfectly rounded meatballs. Be gentle and avoid squeezing the meat too tightly to keep them wonderfully tender.

Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slide into the oven for 10-12 minutes.

Step 2: Create Robust Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-low heat.

• Oregano
• Salt

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Pour in passata and bring the sauce to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 3: Merge Meatballs with Sauce

Carefully transfer the partially baked meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce.

Cover the pot and let them slowly cook together for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to finish cooking completely.

Step 4: Serve with Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook spaghetti until it reaches perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and toss with a few spoonfuls of the rich sauce.

Plate the spaghetti, top with succulent meatballs, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a truly authentic Italian dining experience.

Tips That Improve Italian-Style Meatball Sauce

• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Saute onions and garlic slowly to develop a rich, caramelized base for the tomato sauce.
• Use oiled hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking and ensure even shaping.
• Toss pasta with a bit of sauce before adding meatballs to help the sauce cling better to the noodles.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Variations to Change Up Italian Meatballs in Sauce

• Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs: Swap ground beef with ground lamb, add mint and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version with tangy flavor profile.
• Spicy Chorizo Fusion: Blend ground beef with chorizo sausage, incorporate smoked paprika and red pepper flakes for a zesty, bold approach.
• Gluten-Free Herbed Meatballs: Replace panko with almond flour, enhance with fresh parsley and thyme, maintain authentic texture while accommodating dietary needs.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Balls: Create plant-based alternative using quinoa, black beans, and roasted vegetables, seasoned with similar Italian herbs for comparable taste experience.

Suggested Pairings With Italian Meatballs in Sauce

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a robust Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory meatballs and cut through the tomato sauce's acidity.
• Cheese Companion: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over the dish, adding a salty, nutty layer that enhances the meatballs' depth of flavor.
• Bread Sidekick: Serve crusty garlic bread or focaccia alongside the pasta, perfect for soaking up extra sauce and providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Herbal Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley, introducing a bright, aromatic element that lifts the entire dish's richness.

Italian-Style Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian-Style Meatballs dance in rich, herbaceous tomato sauce, bringing Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table. Hearty ingredients and classic techniques guarantee a soul-warming meal that transports you straight to an Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Binding and Texture Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, grated

Meatball Cooking Fat:

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sauce Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 cups passata tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for meatball preparation.
2. Combine ground beef, panko, grated onion, herbs, and salt in a mixing bowl, carefully blending ingredients without overworking the mixture.
3. Form 8 uniform meatballs using lightly oiled hands, ensuring gentle shaping to maintain tenderness.
4. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, creating a golden exterior while keeping the interior partially uncooked.
5. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium-low heat and sauté diced onions until they become soft and translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes.
6. Introduce garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and salt to the onion mixture, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to develop rich aromatics.
7. Pour passata into the pot, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer and creating a smooth, flavorful base.
8. Carefully transfer the partially baked meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce, ensuring each is submerged.
9. Cover the pot and allow meatballs to cook in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, enabling them to finish cooking and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
10. Simultaneously, boil salted water and cook spaghetti to al dente perfection according to package instructions.
11. Drain pasta and toss with a few spoonfuls of sauce to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
12. Plate the spaghetti, top with meatballs, drizzle additional sauce, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a classic Italian presentation.

Notes

• Handle ground beef gently to maintain a tender, soft texture without compressing the meat fibers during mixing and shaping.
• Grate onions instead of chopping to distribute moisture and flavor more evenly throughout the meatballs, preventing dryness.
• Use a light touch when forming meatballs, keeping them loose and preventing dense, tough results that can occur from overworking the meat.
• Opt for lean ground beef (85-90% lean) to reduce excess grease while maintaining juiciness in the final dish.
• Consider replacing breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance protein content by mixing ground beef with ground turkey or adding finely grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 498 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg