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Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

A hearty and flavorful recipe for tender meatballs simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs, quick oats, or almond flour
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • ¼ cup grated onion (use the juices)
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Make Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Simmer Sauce: Add the two cans of diced tomatoes, honey, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, lowering the heat if the sauce begins to splatter to prevent burning.
  3. Prepare Meatballs Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs (or oats/almond flour), chicken stock, grated onion with its juices, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until evenly combined.
  4. Form Meatballs: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball shape.
  5. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently place the meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce, letting them cook for 2 minutes uncovered to firm up.
  6. Simmer with Lid: Carefully turn the meatballs over in the pot, cover with a lid, and let them cook for an additional 15 minutes until cooked through and tender.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Using quick oats instead of breadcrumbs adds extra fiber and texture.
  • Chicken stock in the meatballs keeps them moist and flavorful.
  • The grated onion juice enhances the overall depth of the meatball flavor.
  • If you prefer a less acidic sauce, reduce the canned tomatoes slightly or balance with a bit more honey.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/meatballs-in-tomato-sauce-recipe/