Here’s a classic Italian sauce and meatballs recipe, perfect for a comforting homemade meal:
Italian Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
✅ Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for frying)
For the Tomato Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
1 tsp dried oregano
A few fresh basil leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes.
Add the ground meat, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently by hand until combined (don’t overwork it).
Form into 1.5-inch (4 cm) meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to cook through fully). Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a large pot or deep pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil.
Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Combine and Simmer:
Gently place the browned meatballs into the sauce.
Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Stir occasionally, gently so meatballs don’t break.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Great with garlic bread or a side salad.
