Enjoy a meal of homemade meatballs topped with a rich and delicious tomato sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, herbs and spices to create tender meatballs that melt in your mouth. These meatballs cooked in a robust tomato sauce are perfect as a garnish for spaghetti or a filling for a delicious sandwich. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or want a comfort meal, this classic recipe will satisfy everyone's appetite.
**Ingredients:**
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
7. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
8. Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
9. Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices according to your taste preferences.
