Savory Beef Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce

  

"Savory Beef Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce"

 

Introduction:

For a delicious and comforting meal, try this recipe for Savory Beef Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce. Tender meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory herbs are simmered in a flavorful tomato basil sauce, creating a dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Meatballs:

 

1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Olive oil for cooking

For the Tomato Basil Sauce:

 

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

 

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.

 

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

 

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is softened and translucent.

 

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients.

 

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

 

Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato basil sauce.

 

Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meatballs.

 

Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the savory beef meatballs hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

 

Enjoy your delicious homemade meatballs with tomato basil sauce, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.