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Ground Beef Meatballs

Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

These Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce are the perfect comfort food, combining tender meatballs with a savory homemade tomato sauce. Ideal for family dinners!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 lb ground beef Consider using 85% lean for the best flavor without excess grease.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can be substituted with pecorino cheese.
  • 1/4 cup milk Unsweetened almond milk serves as a good dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 large egg Flaxseed meal mixed with water can work as an egg substitute.
  • 3 cloves minced garlic Garlic powder can be used if fresh is not available.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Basil can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Use pink Himalayan salt for variance.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
Cooking Meatballs
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook, turning them to brown all sides evenly for about 5-6 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Simmering
  1. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes to cook through and meld the flavors.
Serving
  1. Garnish the finished dish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot, ideally over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to prevent toughness. Skipping the resting period after browning halts the cooking process. Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasonings. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add an extra flavor boost.