Soy-Free Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Savor the hearty comfort of these Soy-Free Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, a timeless recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Made with tender, flavor-packed meatballs crafted from ground beef, parmesan cheese, and a touch of fresh parsley, these beauties are browned to perfection before simmering in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, and fragrant dried herbs. This soy-free rendition uses milk-soaked breadcrumbs for an ultra-moist texture, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Ready in just an hour and perfect served over spaghetti or alongside crusty bread, this family-friendly dish strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef
• 100 grams breadcrumbs
• 60 ml milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 50 grams, grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs thoroughly soak up the milk.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, but avoid over-mixing to ensure the meatballs remain tender.

Step 4

Shape the meat mixture into small, round meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have around 16 meatballs.

Step 5

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned all over.

Step 6

Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 7

In the same skillet, add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the pan to add flavor to the sauce.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Ensure they are covered with sauce.

Step 9

Let the meatballs simmer in the tomato sauce for about 20-25 minutes, occasionally stirring gently, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.

Step 10

Serve hot over spaghetti or with crusty bread, garnished with additional parsley and parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1727.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2344.5

Total Fat 147.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 623.5mg	0%
Sodium 5764.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 49.0g
Protein 126.6g	0%

Vitamin D 81.0IU	0%
Calcium 936.1mg	0%
Iron 21.9mg	0%
Potassium 4325.8mg	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: 54.9%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 24.1%