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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
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

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

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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