Saucy Meatballs

Dive into ultimate comfort food perfection with these hearty and flavorful Saucy Meatballs! This easy recipe combines a tender blend of ground beef and pork, elevated with parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and garlic for rich, savory bites. These meatballs are simmered to juicy perfection in a homemade tomato sauce infused with fragrant oregano, basil, and a touch of sweetness. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve these saucy delights over pasta, with crusty bread for dipping, or alongside a fresh salad for a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, these Saucy Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing favorite that will have everyone craving seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 0.5 cups bread crumbs
• 0.25 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 4 cloves garlic
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 800 grams crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cups water or broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic (2 cloves), parmesan cheese, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture.

Step 2

Shape the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch meatballs and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the remaining minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Add the crushed tomatoes, water or broth, dried oregano, dried basil, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Carefully return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.

Step 7

Cover and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 25-30 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the meatballs to keep them moist and flavorful.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 9

Serve the saucy meatballs over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2140.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2945.2

Total Fat 197.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 848.5mg	0%
Sodium 4979.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 112.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 46.2g
Protein 191.7g	0%

Vitamin D 80.6IU	0%
Calcium 1002.7mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 3889.7mg	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: 59.4%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 15.0%