Juicy Mince Meatballs in Tomato Herb Sauce

🍝 Juicy Mince Meatballs in Tomato Herb Sauce

Tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce — perfect over pasta, rice, or with warm crusty bread. Comfort food at its best! 🍅🧄🌿

📝 Ingredients:

🔹️For the Meatballs:

500g ground beef or lamb

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

🔹️For the Tomato Herb Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil, for garnish

🔥 Directions

✅️1. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Combine gently — don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

✅️2. Shape the mixture into meatballs (about 1.5 inches wide).

✅️3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 6–8 minutes. Set aside.

✅️4. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

✅️5. Return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked through.

✅️6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

💡 Top 3 Tips:

↪️1. Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible — they help keep the meatballs moist and light.

↪️2. Brown, don’t cook through in the first step — searing locks in flavor and finish cooking them in the sauce.

↪️3. Let the meat rest a few minutes before forming – it helps the flavors blend and makes rolling easier.

⏱ Prep Time: 15 min

🔥 Cook Time: 30 min

⏲ Total Time: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 4

🥄 Calories: Approx. 310 per serving

✨ A simple, satisfying dish that brings hearty, homemade flavor to your table every time.