Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Gravy
Savor the authentic flavors of Italy with these tender Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Gravy, a comforting homemade dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering. Made with a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic parsley, these juicy meatballs are browned to perfection before being simmered in a luscious tomato gravy infused with garlic, basil, and oregano. This hearty recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or even as a standalone dish, making it versatile and satisfying. With just 20 minutes of prep time and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this meal is as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for lovers of classic Italian cuisine, these meatballs promise every bite is filled with hearty flavor and a rich, savory sauce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 250 g ground pork
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp basil (dried or fresh)
- 1 tsp oregano (dried or fresh)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 250 ml water or beef broth
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into medium-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball. Set them aside on a plate.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally to ensure an even sear. Do not overcrowd the pan. Once browned, set the meatballs aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar, and water or beef broth. Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato gravy. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the meatballs are cooked through and the tomato gravy has thickened, garnish with additional fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Serve hot over your choice of pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato gravy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
783 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.1 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 234 mg | 78% | |
| Sodium | 1279 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.6 g | ||
| Protein | 44.9 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 247 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 961 mg | 20% | |
*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.
