| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 90 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
Without specific nutrition facts for the ingredients used, it would be impossible to provide an accurate response. However, as a general estimate for one serving of Meatballs in Sauce, the nutritional information might look similar to what’s below.
Note that lots of variables can influence these values, including the exact brand and product variant chosen for each ingredient, the method of food preparation, individual serving size, etc.
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 27g | 9g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 2g | 28g | 1.8g |
Why I Love Italian Meatballs in Sauce
From the heart of Italy to your dinner plate at home, I’m excited to share with you this delectably comforting Italian masterpiece, Meatballs in Sauce. This recipe blends the heartiness of the usual American comfort food that melts my heart emotionally and the rich, flavorsome Italian cooking techniques inspired by Jamie Oliver . The way the meatballs get tenderly bathed in the garlicky tomato sauce is a gastronomical delight that would win over even the most discerning palate.
The Flavor Pool
Every ingredient in this Meatball in Sauce recipe brings a unique flavor and texture profile to the table. The use of a blend of ground beef and pork, Romano cheese, and a lashing of herbs, altogether forms an explosion of taste within the comforting spheres of delicious meatballs. It’s like a surprise gift hidden beneath the layers. The symphony of flavors extends to the sauce too, where the crumble of stale Italian bread soaked in lukewarm water renders a rustic character and the crushed tomatoes and garlic concoct a lavish pool of tanginess.
My Spin
Though not a traditional Californian dish, I found myself falling in love with this classic Italian preparation and gradually got inspired to give it my West coast twist. My version of the recipe maintains a balance between the full-bodied Italian essence from Lidia Bastianich and the laid-back California lifestyle. By adding in some fresh herbs and using leaner meats, I have attempted to lighten the dish without compromising its flavor.
Plethora of Pairings
This Meatballs in Sauce recipe is diverse and alters beautifully to yield novel flavor combinations. Consider serving it alongside your favorite pasta, slathering it over crunchy garlic bread, or even tucking them into a warm baguette to make a decadent meatball sub sandwich. I often pair this meatball dish with a fresh salad for a complete meal, reflecting a heavenly fusion of vivid, crisp greens and the rich, hearty meatballs. This recipe also pairs wonderfully with a glass of robust Californian red wine, preferably a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel, which beautifully complements the hearty tomato sauce and the fatty richness of the meats.
Get creative, dive into your pantry, and discover the pleasure of creating a wholesome, comforting dish of Meatballs in Sauce—a big Italian hug, nestling right on your plate.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups stale Italian bread, crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Combine the ground beef, ground pork, garlic, eggs, Romano cheese, parsley, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix them together but do not overmix as it can result in tough meatballs.
Step Two
Add the crumbled Italian bread to the bowl. Gradually add the lukewarm water while mixing until the mixture is quite moist.
Step Three
Shape the meat mixture into sizeable balls. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the meatballs and fry in batches. Make sure all sides are browned and meatballs are just firm. Remove them and set aside.
Step Four
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onions are transparent. To this add the crushed tomatoes and tomato puree, mix well with the onions and garlic.
Step Five
Add fresh basil and parsley to the tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Step Six
Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for another 30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors are well combined. Serve the Meatballs in Sauce while hot.
