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meatballs in tomato sauce

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

A classic meatballs in tomato sauce. Perfect with crusty bread to sop up all the sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 handful parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp oil
Tomato Sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 pinch red pepper flake
  • 1/2 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz unsalted canned crushed tomatoes
  • 5 leaves basil finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated

Method
 

  1. Combine ingredients for meatball mixture: ground beef, milk, breadcrumbs, parsley, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic salt, and egg. Mix until just incorporated. Do not overmix. Then set aside.
  2. Heat a large saucepan on medium heat. Add in oil and onion. Saute onion for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Then add red pepper flake, and garlic. Saute another 2 minutes. Then add in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and sugar. Simmer for at least 20 minutes. Add salt and sugar to taste.
  3. Meanwhile, shape meatballs into balls about 2 inches in diameter. Line a baking sheet and spread evenly with oil. Place meatballs on baking tray. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes, or until just cooked through.
  4. Then add meatballs into the tomato sauce and allow to simmer at least 10 minutes. Top with grated Parmigiano Reggiano and serve with crusty bread.