Spicy Meatballs with Fragrant Tomato Sauce
Dive into the bold flavors of these Spicy Meatballs with Fragrant Tomato Sauce—a comforting and flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender meatballs, made with a savory blend of ground beef and pork, are infused with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and red chili flakes for a subtle kick. Simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce bursting with garlic, fresh basil, and dried oregano, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of heat and freshness. Ideal for pairing with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, with just 25 minutes of prep time. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or looking to spice up your routine, these spicy meatballs will leave your taste buds tingling and your guests asking for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 250 grams ground pork
- 100 grams breadcrumbs
- 60 ml milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 240 ml water
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, 1 clove of minced garlic, red chili flakes, cumin, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
Mix the ingredients with your hands or a spoon until just combined (do not overmix to avoid tough meatballs).
Roll the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, and set aside on a plate.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
Sear the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned (they do not need to be fully cooked). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute to caramelize slightly.
Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring gently to avoid breaking the meatballs.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or chili flakes for additional heat.
Stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves just before serving.
Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2952 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.0 g | 238% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.0 g | 315% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 782 mg | 261% | |
| Sodium | 6808 mg | 296% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 156.9 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.8 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.8 g | ||
| Protein | 185.8 g | 372% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 592 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 27.2 mg | 151% | |
| Potassium | 4713 mg | 100% | |
*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.
