Ismir Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Savor the authentic flavors of Turkey with Ismir Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, a hearty and aromatic dish that’s perfect for a family meal or dinner party. This recipe combines a rich blend of ground beef and lamb, infused with warm spices like cumin and allspice, and brightened by fresh parsley and garlic for a burst of Mediterranean flair. The lightly browned meatballs are simmered to perfection in a robust tomato sauce made with grated fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Ideal for serving over rice, bulgur, or with crusty bread, this one-pan delight is both comforting and full of bold, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re exploring Turkish cuisine or looking for a new crowd-pleasing dinner idea, these tender meatballs are sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g Ground beef
• 250 g Ground lamb
• 100 g Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 medium, grated Onion
• 2 tbsp, chopped Parsley
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp Ground allspice
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 4 large, grated Tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 250 ml Water
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 Bay leaf
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, parsley, ground cumin, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2

Shape the meat mixture into small, golf ball-sized meatballs and set them aside on a tray or plate.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the grated tomatoes for 2-3 minutes until they begin to break down.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance the flavor.

Step 6

Add the water, sugar, dried oregano, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 7

Carefully return the meatballs to the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the Ismir meatballs hot with rice, bulgur, or crusty bread, and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2018.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2946.7

Total Fat 195.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.9g
Cholesterol 791.4mg	0%
Sodium 5445.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 136.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 38.6g
Protein 176.6g	0%

Vitamin D 63.8IU	0%
Calcium 368.3mg	0%
Iron 23.9mg	0%
Potassium 4227.3mg	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: 58.4%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 18.1%