Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1kg (2lb) ground beef
• 80g (2.82oz) breadcrumbs
• 60g (2.11oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 62g (2.18oz) whole milk

For the Tomato Sauce

• 1 big can (796ml) crushed tomatoes
• 10g (0.35oz) granulated sugar
• 4g (0.14oz) fine sea salt
• 2g (0.07oz) black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2g (0.07oz) onion powder
• 2g (0.07oz) garlic powder
• 20g (0.7oz) olive oil

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the eggs and milk to the bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender meatballs.
4. Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pan. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the simmering tomato sauce.
2. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer together for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.

Why This Recipe Is Timeless

Classic Italian meatballs have stood the test of time because they represent the essence of home cooking: simple, nourishing, and made with love. This dish transcends borders and brings families together, whether it’s a Sunday supper or a holiday feast.

The combination of tender, juicy meatballs with a rich tomato sauce is a comfort food staple that appeals to people of all ages. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, from the herbs in the meatballs to the tangy sweetness of the sauce. It’s a dish that adapts beautifully to different occasions and preferences, making it as timeless as it is versatile.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork, turkey, or chicken for the beef, or even use a combination of meats for added flavor.

Q2: Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Q3: Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store them separately or in the tomato sauce for easy reheating.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
Of course! Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or carrots make excellent additions to the sauce.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

1. Mix Gently: Overmixing can result in dense meatballs. Handle the mixture just enough to combine the ingredients.
2. Even Sizing: Roll meatballs of equal size to ensure even cooking.
3. Don’t Skip Resting: Allow the meatballs to sit in the sauce for a few minutes to soak up its flavors.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh Parmesan, herbs, and quality tomatoes elevate the dish.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately or together for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.

Conclusion

Classic Italian Meatballs with Rich Tomato Sauce are more than just a meal—they represent a piece of culinary history and a timeless tradition that has brought comfort to families for generations. This dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures: the tender, savory meatballs paired with the vibrant, tangy tomato sauce is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re enjoying them over pasta, as part of a hearty sandwich, or simply on their own, these meatballs are a reminder of how simple, wholesome ingredients can create something extraordinary.

What makes this recipe so special is its adaptability. While it carries the essence of traditional Italian cooking, it also invites creativity and personalization. Want to add a hint of spice? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a touch of sweetness in your sauce? Adjust the sugar to suit your taste. It’s this flexibility that has allowed the recipe to endure and evolve, becoming a staple in kitchens around the world.

Furthermore, this dish is steeped in nostalgia. For many, it brings back fond memories of family gatherings, where meals were more than just food—they were expressions of love and togetherness. The process of preparing meatballs, from rolling them by hand to simmering them in sauce, is a labor of love that connects us to those we share the meal with. It’s an opportunity to slow down, savor the experience, and create moments that linger long after the last bite.