Meatballs in sauce is a classic dish that is loved by people all over the world. It’s easy to prepare and can be served as a main course or as an appetizer. In this article, we will show you how to cook meatballs in sauce in a few simple steps. Read on to find out more!
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef (or other ground meat of your choice)
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
4. While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, beef broth, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
6. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan and stir gently until they are coated in the sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully heated through.
7. Serve the meatballs and sauce hot with a side of spaghetti, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips
– To make the meatballs extra tender, you can add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture.
– If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
– For a spicier sauce, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– To make the sauce creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking time.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze meatballs in sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover meatballs in sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw the container in the refrigerator overnight and then heat the meatballs and sauce on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef in this recipe. You may need to add a little extra seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor of the turkey.
Q: What is the best way to serve meatballs in sauce?
A: Meatballs in sauce can be served over spaghetti, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for dipping. You can also sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese or chopped parsley on top for added flavor.