Meatballs In Italian Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich Italian tomato sauce, featuring garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 4 c. canned tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/3 c. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 whole garlic clove ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. shortening ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. tomato paste or sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend together ground beef, 1/8 teaspoon garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 3 tablespoons each.
- Roll the meatballs in flour.
- Pan-fry the meatballs until they are well browned and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, add some Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meatball mixture. If you want a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. To keep the meatballs moist, consider adding a splash of milk to the mixture. Pair these meatballs with Easy Minestone Soup for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over spaghetti or in a sub roll for a delicious meatball sandwich. They pair well with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, serve alongside Italian recipes like Lasagna Toss or with a side of Italian Spaghetti Meat Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or gently warm them in a skillet with a bit of sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs In Italian Sauce contains roughly 881 calories, with 32g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, shape and freeze them, then cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a substitute for ground beef. Each will provide a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas blended with spices.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, cut one in half to check that it is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).