Authentic Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce
Classic Italian Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs made with beef, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting traditional meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground beef 80 to 85 percent lean
1/2 pound ground pork optional
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of sugar optional
Instructions
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
- Combine meat, breadcrumb mixture, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Form into 1 1/2 inch meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in olive oil on all sides.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil for sauce, add tomatoes and seasoning, simmer 15 minutes.
- Add meatballs to sauce and simmer covered for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Serve warm with pasta or bread.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat mixture. Simmer gently to keep meatballs tender. Freeze leftovers for up to three months.