Vena'S Meatballs
Juicy homemade meatballs infused with fresh herbs and cheese, simmered in a rich tomato sauce—perfect for hearty family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a frying pan, sauté vegetable oil, garlic, and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add tomato paste or tomato puree to the pan and simmer to develop flavors.
- Form meatballs from ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, cheese, salt, eggs, and additional garlic if desired.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for about 30 minutes until cooked through and flavorful.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use lean ground beef to keep meatballs moist without being greasy. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as substitutes. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor—basil or oregano could be great additions. Remember to let the sautéed garlic and onion cool slightly before mixing with the beef to avoid cooking the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect served over pasta, such as in Rick'S Special Spaghetti, or on a sub roll with melted cheese for a meatball sandwich. Pair with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They also go well with Baked Pasta for a comforting dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If freezing, place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vena'S Meatballs contains roughly 1190 calories, with 23g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1549mg per serving (67% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to thaw them completely before simmering in the sauce.
What can I use instead of Italian cheese?
If you can't find Italian cheese, you can substitute with a mix of grated Parmesan and mozzarella. This will still give you a nice flavor and texture. Alternatively, any good melting cheese can work in a pinch.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut one in half to ensure it's 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).