The Ultimate Meatball Recipe with a Rich and Flavorful Sauce
This recipe will guide you through making juicy, flavorful meatballs and a rich, tangy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results. Let's get started!
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
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step is crucial for developing a delicious crust. Set the browned meatballs aside.
Making the Sauce:
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine (if using), sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful the meatballs and sauce will become.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of spice.
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Conclusion:
This ultimate meatball recipe with its rich and flavorful sauce is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal in no time! Enjoy!
