Mediterranean Diet Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Mediterranean Diet Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce—a wholesome, flavor-packed dish that's as nutritious as it is comforting. Made with lean ground beef, aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and whole wheat breadcrumbs, these tender meatballs are perfectly seasoned with oregano, basil, and red chili flakes for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Simmered in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce, this recipe shines as a heart-healthy and satisfying meal. Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour, serve these savory meatballs with whole grain pasta or a vibrant side salad to create a balanced and irresistibly delicious dinner. Perfect for anyone seeking to enjoy Mediterranean flavors while staying committed to a nutritious lifestyle!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g Lean ground beef
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large Egg
- 0.5 cup Whole wheat bread crumbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 800 g Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 0.5 tsp Red chili flakes
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, whole wheat bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet and brown them on all sides, approximately 6-8 minutes. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine.
Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 0.5 teaspoon of red chili flakes to the tomato mixture, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover and let simmer in the sauce for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, alongside whole grain pasta or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1824 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.1 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.3 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 529 mg | 176% | |
| Sodium | 4672 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 152.3 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.8 g | 99% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.1 g | ||
| Protein | 140.8 g | 282% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 535 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 29.7 mg | 165% | |
| Potassium | 4056 mg | 86% | |
*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.
