Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe
Comforting, saucy, and utterly satisfying, Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce is a dish that brings everyone to the table with eager appetites. Tender meatballs infused with herbs, Parmesan, and garlic are slowly simmered in a robust tomato sauce, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re serving these over a mountain of pasta or tucking them into a crusty roll, this classic recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes as if it’s been simmering all day. Each component brings something special, from the rich, juicy ground beef to the aromatic herbs and sweet tomatoes.
- Ground Beef (80/20): The perfect blend of fat and lean for juicy, flavorful meatballs; avoid extra-lean for best results.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs delightfully tender.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that’s unmistakably Italian.
- Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs and gives the meatballs a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together nicely.
- Garlic (for both meatballs and sauce): Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aromatics.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a burst of color and a hint of grassy freshness to the meatballs.
- Italian Seasoning: A ready-made blend that adds complexity and warmth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for highlighting and balancing all the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: Gives the sauce a silky base and a touch of richness.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and gentle texture in the sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can): The foundation of the sauce, providing body and tang.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps the sauce thicken.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity and bring out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
- Dried Basil and Oregano: Classic Italian herbs for a fragrant, layered sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix until everything is just combined — overmixing can make the meatballs dense. Roll the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and set them aside on a plate. This step is where the magic begins, as all those flavors and textures meld together.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This aromatic base lays the groundwork for a sauce that’s deeply flavorful and inviting.
Step 3: Build the Rich Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. The sauce should start to thicken and the flavors will marry, creating the rich, savory environment your meatballs will soak up.
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs
Carefully nestle the uncooked meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover the pan and let everything cook gently for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally so they cook evenly. The result is Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce that are tender, juicy, and beautifully infused with all the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is thick and glossy, it’s time to serve. Spoon the meatballs and sauce generously over your favorite pasta, steamed rice, or a pile of creamy polenta. Don’t forget some crusty bread for scooping up every last drop of that luscious sauce!
How to Serve Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce
Garnishes
Finish your Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce with a shower of grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can also brighten up the dish just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic spaghetti, pillowy mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a hunk of rustic sourdough is practically mandatory for mopping up the sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the meatballs onto toasted baguette slices for hearty appetizers, stuffing them into a warm sub roll with melty mozzarella for a classic meatball sandwich, or serving mini meatballs as irresistible party bites. The versatility of Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce means you can get as creative as you want.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the meatballs and sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce freeze wonderfully. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. For easy lunches, freeze in individual portions.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, covering them to prevent splatters and ensure even heating. If the sauce has thickened too much, just add a splash of water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for a lighter version, though you may want to add a bit more milk or a dash of olive oil to keep the meatballs moist.
Do I have to brown the meatballs first?
Browning the meatballs before simmering adds an extra layer of flavor, but it’s totally optional. Simmering them directly in the sauce keeps them extra tender and juicy, which is the method used in this recipe.
What’s the best way to make the meatballs uniform in size?
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon will help you portion the mixture evenly, ensuring all the meatballs cook at the same rate. Rolling with slightly damp hands also prevents sticking.
Can I make Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The entire dish can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable.
What type Main Course
While spaghetti is a classic pairing, these meatballs are just as delightful over rigatoni, penne, or even creamy polenta. Let your cravings guide you!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, give Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce a spot on your dinner table. The simple steps, cozy flavors, and endless serving possibilities make this a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and enjoy every saucy, savory bite!
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Ground Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (12–16 meatballs) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic recipe features tender ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness. Perfectly balanced, these meatballs make a comforting main course that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a hearty Italian-American meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or tray to set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Meatballs in Sauce: Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally to ensure even cooking, until they are fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with sauce over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can brown the meatballs in a skillet before simmering them in the sauce for additional flavor and texture, but simmering directly helps keep them tender and juicy.
- These meatballs freeze well – let them cool completely before storing in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
