Cheesy Meatballs with Basil Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Meatballs with Basil Tomato Sauce—a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, flavorful beef meatballs with gooey mozzarella centers and a rich, aromatic tomato-basil sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, and oregano, each meatball is a savory delight, while the velvety sauce adds a tangy-sweet balance, elevated by fresh herbs. Simmered to perfection, this hearty dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, and pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or a crisp salad. Ready in under an hour, this easy yet impressive recipe will become a household favorite for anyone craving Italian-inspired comfort.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 500 grams Ground beef
- 50 grams Breadcrumbs
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 100 grams Mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 400 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 10 Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 120 milliliters Water
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold and roll the meat mixture around it, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned all around (they do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, dried oregano, and chopped basil. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 6
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar, if needed. Serve the meatballs hot, topped with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1386.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2244.3 |
| Total Fat 158.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 60.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g | |
| Cholesterol 682.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5270.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 81.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 28.6g | |
| Protein 139.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 53.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1132.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3152.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories