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–+ servings
Six meatballs, made from a classic meatball recipe, are topped with grated cheese and chopped parsley in a cast iron skillet filled with rich tomato sauce.
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5 from 3 votes

Meatballs in Sauce: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe to Satisfy Your Soul

Hey there, fam! If you’re looking for a dish that brings the family together, warms your soul, and leaves everyone asking for seconds, it’s gotta be some good ol’ Meatballs in Sauce. Ain't nothing like the rich aroma of juicy, tender meatballs simmering in a flavorful tomato sauce to fill the house. Whether you're serving it over spaghetti for a cozy dinner or throwing it on a sub roll for a game-day treat, this dish never disappoints.Now, I know you might be thinking, “Meatballs? That’s simple, right?” But the key to turning a basic recipe into something truly unforgettable is all in the technique, the love you put in, and maybe a few expert tricks I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, this recipe will be a game-changer in your kitchen, and it’ll have your family, friends, and guests talking about it for weeks. So, let’s fire up that stove and get to work because once you taste these meatballs in sauce, you’ll be making them on repeat.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort, Food, meatballs, sauce
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend is perfect for flavor and juiciness)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, but adds extra flavor and richness)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style work great)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole milk is best, but any will do)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
  • Olive oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  • Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your ground beef and ground pork. Pork is optional, but it adds that extra layer of flavor. If you’re keeping it all beef, that’s cool too. Now, toss in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and those red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Using your hands (yes, it’s the best way), mix everything together until just combined. Pro tip: Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tough meatballs, and nobody wants that!
  • Once everything is well-mixed, start rolling your meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter—basically, think golf-ball size. Place your rolled meatballs on a plate or tray as you go. You should end up with about 16-20 meatballs, depending on how big you like them.
  • Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, start adding your meatballs to the pan. Don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of sear. Let them brown on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Remember, they don’t have to be fully cooked at this stage since they’ll finish in the sauce. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate.
  • Using the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in your finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent—about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
  • Now it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let this sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and deepen. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has thickened slightly and tastes rich.
  • Carefully place your browned meatballs back into the sauce, making sure they’re submerged. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 15-20 minutes until they’re fully cooked through and have soaked up all that delicious tomato goodness.
  • Before serving, garnish with some freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  • Serve these meatballs in sauce over pasta, in a hoagie roll, or straight up with a side of garlic bread. However you serve it, it's gonna be a hit!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 80kcal