Description
This quick and easy Italian meatball recipe delivers juicy, flavorful beef meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these homemade meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Whether you’re looking for recipes for dinner, simple high-protein meals, or quick comfort food, this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients
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For the Meatballs:
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1 lb lean ground beef
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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¼ cup yellow onion, grated
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2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
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1½ tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp kosher salt
For the Tomato Sauce & Pasta:
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4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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½ small yellow onion, finely diced
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4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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3 cups passata tomato purée
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp kosher salt
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12 oz spaghetti
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Instructions
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Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, basil, oregano, and salt.
Gently shape into 8 evenly-sized meatballs, using oiled hands. Avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. The meatballs will finish cooking in the sauce. -
Make the Tomato Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
Sauté the diced onion for 3-5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and salt, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the passata and bring to a gentle simmer. -
Simmer the Meatballs:
Transfer the partially baked meatballs into the sauce.
Cover and let them simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, until cooked through.
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Cook the Pasta & Serve:
While the meatballs cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti al dente according to the package instructions, then drain.
Toss the pasta with a few spoonfuls of sauce, then serve topped with meatballs and fresh basil.
Notes
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You can substitute the spaghetti with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick of heat, if desired.
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For a gluten-free option, swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg