| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 507 | 30g | 12g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 3g | 38g | 1.1g |
Why I Love Greek Beef Meatballs in Tomato and Feta Sauce
There’s something inherently comforting about a hearty dish, a testament to my deep love for the flavors and styles of Midwestern cooking. The recipe I aim to present today, a sumptuous Greek delight, ‘Beef Meatballs in Tomato and Feta Sauce’, captivates my fondness for wholesome, rustic dishes.
A taste of Greece in Every Bite
Originating from the sun-kissed landscapes of Greece, what I love about this recipe is that it resonates with the farm-fresh vibes of my home in Nebraska, with a Mediterranean twist. The succulent ground beef, the aromatic blend of herbs, and the tanginess of the feta cheese bring forth the essence of Greek cuisine while resonating with Midwestern American sensibilities.
As someone with a deep affinity for hearty stews reminiscent of my homeland, this Beef Meatballs in Tomato and Feta Sauce recipe, with its robust tomato base, reminds me of a Greek-styled version of Midwestern meatball stews. The incorporation of Jamie Oliver’s meatball cooking techniques certainly brings about a tender, moist texture to the meatballs that is ineffable.
Nostalgic Reminiscence, Distinctive Flavors
This recipe undeniably stimulates my nostalgia for the home-cooked meals that I grew up with – albeit with a unique burst of flavors unique to Greece. For me, the feta cheese introduces a tangy undertone that complements the robust flavors of the meatballs and the acidic tomato base – a far cry from the cheddar cheese we regularly use back in Nebraska. Yet, the connection to home lies in the core components of a meat-based dish, swimming in a delicious sauce, and served with fresh, crusty bread to mop up every last drop.
Furthermore, the option of being able to pair this meatball dish with a side of Greek lemon rice or a simple salad enhances its versatility. It wouldn’t be a stretch to serve up a side of cornbread either – a nod to my Midwestern roots, balancing the bold, hearty Greek flavors with something a tad bit familiar.
In essence, this recipe, ‘Beef Meatballs in Tomato and Feta Sauce’, brings forth a delightful amalgamation of comfort food with the exoticism of global flavors – a trait I’ve come to appreciate in my culinary journey. Whether you’re Texan or Athenian, a dish like this is bound to strike a chord in your heart – much like it did mine.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of dry red wine
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until they are thoroughly combined.
Step Two
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into meatballs of equal size. You should be able to make about 24 meatballs from this mixture. Set the meatballs aside on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
Step Three
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook them until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them back on the tray or plate.
Step Four
In the same pan, add the crushed tomatoes, dry red wine, and honey. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes to combine the flavors and reduce slightly. Add the meatballs back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meatballs to soak up some of the tomato sauce and become even more flavorful.
Step Six
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over top of the meatballs and sauce. Cover the pan again and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the feta cheese is melted.
Step Seven
After the feta has melted, remove the lid and stir gently to combine the feta with the sauce. Serve the meatballs warm with the sauce spooned over top.
