Print

Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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

Scale

  1. For the Meatballs:

    • 1 lb lean ground beef

    • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

    • ¼ cup yellow onion, grated

    • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

    • 1½ tsp dried oregano

    • 1 tsp kosher salt

    For the Tomato Sauce & Pasta:

    • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

    • ½ small yellow onion, finely diced

    • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

    • 1 tbsp tomato paste

    • 3 cups passata tomato purée

    • 1 tsp dried oregano

    • 1 tsp kosher salt

    • 12 oz spaghetti

Instructions

  • 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.

 

  • 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

  • You can substitute the spaghetti with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick of heat, if desired.

 

  • For a gluten-free option, swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/italian-style-meatballs-in-tomato-sauce/