Italian Meatballs and Sauce
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this irresistible Italian Meatballs and Sauce recipe, where tender, homemade meatballs meet a rich, savory tomato sauce. This dish blends a perfect mix of ground beef and pork with classic Italian staples like Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and breadcrumbs for moist, flavorful meatballs. They're simmered to perfection in a robust sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, with a hint of sugar to balance the flavors. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is ideal served over al dente pasta, alongside crusty bread, or even as a hearty appetizer. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Italian classic is a crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground pork
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 piece large egg
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons canned tomato paste
- 1 piece yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are just combined.
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or large plate.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Carefully add the meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, with a side of crusty bread, or as desired. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for a finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
668 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.5 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.8 g | 79% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 169 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 1051 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.3 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 37.2 g | 74% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 170 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 972 mg | 21% | |
*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.
