Cheesy Meatballs with Basil Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Meatballs with Basil Tomato Sauce—a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, flavorful beef meatballs with gooey mozzarella centers and a rich, aromatic tomato-basil sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, and oregano, each meatball is a savory delight, while the velvety sauce adds a tangy-sweet balance, elevated by fresh herbs. Simmered to perfection, this hearty dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, and pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or a crisp salad. Ready in under an hour, this easy yet impressive recipe will become a household favorite for anyone craving Italian-inspired comfort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Ground beef
- 50 grams Breadcrumbs
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 100 grams Mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 400 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 10 Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 120 milliliters Water
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold and roll the meat mixture around it, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned all around (they do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, dried oregano, and chopped basil. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar, if needed. Serve the meatballs hot, topped with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.6 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 158 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 1090 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.3 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 295 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 643 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
