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–+ servings
Italian Meatballs

Savory Italian Meatballs: Quick, Juicy, and Family-Approved

Juicy Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, quick and family-approved, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs use gluten-free for a gluten-free option
  • 1/4 cup Milk or almond milk for dairy-free
  • 1 large Egg or flaxseed meal for vegan substitute
  • 2 cloves Garlic finely chopped or minced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley finely chopped, or dried parsley
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, or Grana Padano
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning or use oregano/basil individually
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper adjust according to taste
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or canola oil if preferred
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped, shallots can be used
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes or diced tomatoes/passata
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste or more crushed tomatoes if preferred
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves omit if unavailable

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • tray or plate

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the meatball mixture by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a tray, keeping them close but not touching.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
  4. Remove meatballs and add chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté until translucent, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to bubble gently.
  6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Remove bay leaves before serving. Optionally garnish with parsley or grated Parmesan. Serve over spaghetti or in sub rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This recipe requires minimal prep time and is perfect for a quick family dinner. Customize with meat or veggie options as desired.

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