Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

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Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Transport yourself to the sun-soaked streets of Italy with these mouthwatering Italian meatballs, lovingly simmered in a velvety, aromatic tomato sauce. Each bite is a burst of savory flavor, featuring a perfect blend of ground beef and pork, spiced with garlic and fresh herbs, creating a dish that is both comforting and delightful. This recipe not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also evokes the warmth of family gatherings. Whether served over a bed of al dente pasta or alongside crusty bread, these meatballs make for a hearty meal that embodies the rich Italian-American culinary tradition, where recipes are cherished and passed down through generations.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Ground beef (1 pound)
  • Ground pork (1 pound)
  • Breadcrumbs (1 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Eggs (2, beaten)
  • Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Onion (1, diced)
  • Canned tomatoes (28 ounces, crushed)
  • Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands, mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a plate.
  3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
  4. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the crushed canned tomatoes and chopped basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Return the browned meatballs to the pot, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.
  7. Serve the meatballs generously over your choice of cooked pasta or with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 45 minutes • Calories: 520 • Fat: 30g • Carbs: 30g • Protein: 30g • Sodium: 800mg • Sugar: 6g