Meatballs and Sauce: A Classic Recipe for Comfort Food
Meatballs and sauce – the quintessential comfort food! This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meatballs nestled in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for even more tender meatballs and a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the richer the sauce becomes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with a vegetarian meatball mixture.
- Meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for several days or freeze it for later.
This recipe is easily adaptable to your tastes and preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Enjoy!
