Spicy Meatballs with Fragrant Tomato Sauce
Dive into the bold flavors of these Spicy Meatballs with Fragrant Tomato Sauce—a comforting and flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender meatballs, made with a savory blend of ground beef and pork, are infused with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and red chili flakes for a subtle kick. Simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce bursting with garlic, fresh basil, and dried oregano, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of heat and freshness. Ideal for pairing with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, with just 25 minutes of prep time. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or looking to spice up your routine, these spicy meatballs will leave your taste buds tingling and your guests asking for seconds!
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Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 250 grams ground pork
- 100 grams breadcrumbs
- 60 ml milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 240 ml water
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, 1 clove of minced garlic, red chili flakes, cumin, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
Step 2
Mix the ingredients with your hands or a spoon until just combined (do not overmix to avoid tough meatballs).
Step 3
Roll the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, and set aside on a plate.
Step 4
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
Step 5
Sear the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned (they do not need to be fully cooked). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 6
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
Step 7
Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Step 8
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute to caramelize slightly.
Step 9
Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 10
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce.
Step 11
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring gently to avoid breaking the meatballs.
Step 12
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or chili flakes for additional heat.
Step 13
Stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves just before serving.
Step 14
Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2221.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2951.8 |
| Total Fat 186.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 63.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g | |
| Cholesterol 781.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6807.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 156.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 22.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 56.8g | |
| Protein 185.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 81.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 591.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 27.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 4713.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories