Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Making the Meatballs:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.

Making the Tomato Sauce:

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add Wine: Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced by half.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combining Meatballs and Sauce:

1. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the tomato sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve over spaghetti, with crusty bread, or as desired.

Enjoy your delicious meatballs in rich tomato sauce!