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Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

These classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are a comforting and flavorful dish, featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines ground beef with Parmesan and sour cream for extra moistness, then cooks the meatballs gently in a savory sauce enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cayenne for mild heat.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15, not leaner)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (full-fat)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan (grated, not shredded)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Tomato Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
  • 15 ounces canned tomato sauce (no salt or sugar added; 1 3/4 cup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, use your hands to combine the ground beef, sour cream, egg, grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and black pepper thoroughly. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into 12 even meatballs, each weighing about 2 ounces.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch lidded saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook while stirring for about 1 minute until it turns golden and fragrant. Pour in the canned tomato sauce, then season with kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil.
  3. Simmer the Meatballs: Gently add the meatballs to the simmering sauce, spooning some sauce over them. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the meatballs simmer until fully cooked through, about 30 minutes. Begin checking for doneness after 20 minutes as cooking times may vary based on stove heat.
  4. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and carefully turn the cooked meatballs to coat them fully with sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use Diamond Crystal kosher salt for accurate seasoning measurements, as it is less dense than regular kosher salt.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
  • For a richer sauce, you can simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  • Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/meatballs-in-tomato-sauce-recipe/