Cheesy Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce, a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines juicy, tender meatballs stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese and a bold, flavorful tomato sauce. Crafted with a perfect blend of ground beef and pork, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, these meatballs offer an irresistible savory bite with a gooey, cheesy surprise at the center. The spicy tomato sauce, infused with garlic, red chili flakes, and freshly chopped basil, adds a zesty kick that perfectly balances the richness of the meatballs. Sear them for a golden crust, then let them simmer to perfection in the sauce for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Ideal for serving over pasta, alongside crusty bread, or on a bed of fluffy rice, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, these cheesy meatballs are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef
• 250 grams Ground pork
• 100 grams Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 100 grams Mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 400 grams Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 10 Basil leaves, fresh (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, fresh (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, black pepper, and parsley.

Step 3

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 4

Take a small amount of the meat mixture and form it into a ball about 2 inches in diameter. Press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center, then reform the ball to cover the cheese completely.

Step 5

Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella cubes. You should have approximately 12-15 meatballs.

Step 6

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Set aside on a plate.

Step 7

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the remaining minced garlic and red chili flakes for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 8

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Gently transfer the seared meatballs into the tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over the meatballs to coat them.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 11

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the cooked meatballs and stir gently.

Step 12

Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or rice. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1595.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3271.3

Total Fat 219.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 927.1mg	0%
Sodium 6569.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.3g	0%
Total Sugars 30.8g
Protein 219.7g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 1454.6mg	0%
Iron 22.7mg	0%
Potassium 2778.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.1%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 14.7%