Meatballs in Sauce is a classic dish loved by many. It’s a comforting meal that brings warmth and flavor to the table. Made with simple ingredients, meatballs are easy to prepare and can please even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious meal at home!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Meatballs in Sauce is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Second, they are versatile; you can serve them with pasta, rice, or bread. This dish is also budget-friendly and a great way to use ground beef. Plus, homemade meatballs taste so much better than store-bought!
How to Make Meatballs in Sauce
Let’s get started with making your very own meatballs in sauce. It’s a simple process that involves mixing together a few ingredients, cooking them until they are nice and tender, and then enjoying the delicious results.
Ingredients:
- 400 g ground beef
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 30 g grated Parmesan
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 400 ml tomato passata
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form small meatballs with your hands, making sure they are evenly sized.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, add the tomato passata to the pan. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Your meatballs in sauce are now ready to serve!
How to Serve Meatballs in Sauce
You can serve Meatballs in Sauce in various ways. A classic option is to plate them with spaghetti, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta beautifully. Another idea is to serve them with a side of crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the rich sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some fresh parsley on top for garnish.
How to Store Meatballs in Sauce
If you have leftover meatballs in sauce, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the meatballs in a freezer-safe container and they can keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving!
Tips to Make Meatballs in Sauce
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like oregano or basil to your meat mixture.
- To keep the meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the ingredients.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs are the same size for even cooking.
Variation
You can easily change up this recipe by using different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based ground meat or lentils instead. You can also add veggies to the sauce, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to enhance the dish even further.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can! Store-bought meatballs can save time, but homemade ones usually have better flavor and texture.
2. What should I do if my meatballs are falling apart?
If your meatballs are falling apart, it may help to add a bit more breadcrumbs or even some grated Parmesan to the mix to hold them together.
3. Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the meatballs in advance, cook them, and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.
