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–+ servings
Italian Meatballs

Savory Italian Meatballs in Homemade Tomato Sauce Bliss

These Italian Meatballs are a flavor-packed, comforting dish that combines rich meatballs with a homemade tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Searing Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef provides rich flavor and a hearty texture
  • 0.75 cup breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs for a perfect consistency
  • 0.25 cup milk adds moisture, ensuring tender meatballs
  • 1 large egg acts as a binding agent
  • 1 tablespoon garlic finely chopped for essential Italian flavor
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley finely chopped adds freshness
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated enhances savory depth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning brings classic Italian taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt ensures flavors pop
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper adds hint of warmth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing meatballs
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 0.5 cup onion finely chopped for base flavor
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced for aromatic punch
  • 1 can (15 ounce) crushed tomatoes forms the heart of the sauce
  • 0.25 cup tomato paste thickens sauce
  • 3-4 leaves bay leaves infuses the sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust seasoning as needed
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper enhances flavor

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Meatball Preparation
  1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
    Italian Meatballs
  2. Mix ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
    Italian Meatballs
  3. Form small meatballs about 1-inch in diameter.
    Italian Meatballs
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned.
    Italian Meatballs
  2. Remove meatballs and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
    Italian Meatballs
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
    Italian Meatballs
  4. Return the meatballs to the skillet and cover, simmering for about 20 minutes.
    Italian Meatballs
  5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or Parmesan if desired.
    Italian Meatballs

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing meatball mixture and ensure uniform sizes for even cooking.

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