Mamas Meatballs the Ultimate Comfort Food in Tomato Sauce
Recipe Introduction: Mama's Meatballs - Proper Comfort Food
Fancy a bit of comfort food ? Honestly, who doesn't love a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs ? This recipe for meatballs sauce is like a warm hug on a plate.
A Taste of Italy (in Your Kitchen)
This recipe takes inspiration from old-school Italian American cooking. Think Italian meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce recipe , also named sunday sauce recipe .
It's an easy recipe but does need around 3 hours to complete. It makes enough for 6-8 hungry people, perfect for a family dinner.
More Than Just a Meal
These meatballs sauce aren't just delicious. They're packed with protein from the meat, and the tomatoes are full of vitamins.
Serve them on spaghetti, pile them high in a meatball sub recipe , or even just enjoy them on their own.
These are definitely the best meatball sauce you will make for your family, also this easy meatball recipe will become one of your favourites.
Ready to get cooking? Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need to make this amazing comfort food .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, so you wanna make amazing italian meatballs in a rich tomato sauce recipe ? Ace! It's easier than you think.
Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can! I've burnt toast more times than I care to admit. This comfort food is a crowd pleaser.
Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty
Here's what you'll need to whip up my version of Mama's Meatballs , the best meatball sauce , perfect for spaghetti and meatballs :
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend. Don’t skimp on the fat. It equals flavour!)
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 cup (120g) fresh breadcrumbs (About 3 slices of white bread, crustless. These need to be FRESH. Stale crumbs will ruin everything!)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning those babies)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce/800g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce/170g) can tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (or water, if you're skint)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (Trust me, it's needed to balance things out)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional, but makes you look fancy)
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)
Oregano and basil are non-negotiable. They scream italian meatballs . A pinch of sugar is crucial to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
Don’t be afraid to add a bit more, you know? Taste as you go. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Now that is perfect homemade marinara sauce , for meatball sub recipe .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS!)
You don't need fancy equipment for this easy meatball recipe . A large bowl, a skillet or Dutch oven, measuring cups and spoons are fine.
Also, if you have them, a meat thermometer it's very handy to make sure the meatballs are cooked. If not, just cut one open to check!.
Also slow cooker meatballs are a good option.
Mama's Meatballs: Comfort Food at Its Finest
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Italian meatball ? This classic meatball recipe is all about bringing that proper comfort food experience right to your table.
This isn't just any tomato sauce recipe ; it's the kind of homemade sauce that makes you wanna phone your mum.
Get ready for some serious spaghetti and meatballs action, or maybe even a killer meatball sub recipe ! This one is a ground beef recipes classic.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key here. Get everything prepped before you start. Chop your onions, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices. Saves a right old faff later on.
Time saving organization tips : Grate your parmesan and make your breadcrumbs in advance. The meatballs need to chill for at least an hour, so bear that in mind when planning.
Making Mama Proud: A step-by-step Guide
- Mix the magic : In a large bowl, combine 1 lb (450g) ground beef , 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork , 1 cup (120g) fresh breadcrumbs , 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan , 1/4 cup (15g) parsley , 2 minced cloves garlic , 1 beaten egg , 1/4 cup (60ml) milk , 1 tsp oregano , 1/2 tsp salt , and 1/4 tsp pepper . Gently mix. Don't overdo it.
- Chill out : Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour . Overnight is even better. This lets the flavours get proper acquainted.
- Shape and brown : Roll the mixture into 1 inch meatballs. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches. We’re aiming for golden brown goodness, not fully cooked just yet.
- Sauce it up : Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté 1 chopped onion until softened. Add 2 minced cloves garlic and cook until fragrant. About 30 seconds .
- Tomato tango : Stir in 1 (28 ounce/800g) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce , 1 (6 ounce/170g) can tomato paste , 1 cup (240ml) beef broth , 1 tsp oregano , 1 tsp basil , and 1/2 tsp sugar . Season with salt and pepper.
The Grand Finale: Simmering to Perfection
Gently add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Bring it all to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour , or up to 2 hours . Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavour gets, achieving that authentic Italian gravy.
Check via the meat thermometer ( 165F ) Serve this up over spaghetti or tuck it into crusty bread for the ultimate meatball sub, and suddenly you have that proper family meatball dinner.
Pro Tips for Meatball Glory
Don't overmix. Seriously. Tough meatballs are nobody's friend. And don't skip the browning step. It adds a layer of flavour you just can't beat.
Common mistake: rushing the simmering. Let that meatballs sauce do its thing. make-ahead: Absolutely. This is even better the next day. The slow cooker meatballs are a great choice.
So there you have it. My take on Mama's Meatballs . It's an easy meatball recipe , a best meatball sauce a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Get cooking!
Recipe Notes: Making Meatballs Sauce Your Own
Right, so you’re ready to tackle this amazing meatballs sauce recipe! Honestly, this isn't just a recipe; it's a foundation.
Like, think of it as a starting point for your own culinary adventure. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make it your best meatball sauce .
We are talking about creating proper comfort food here.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Alright, let's talk presentation! Forget just slopping it on a plate. Think about how Mama would serve it. A nice swirl of spaghetti and meatballs on a plate, a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Bellissimo! For sides, garlic bread is a must. And if you’re feeling fancy, a simple salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness.
A nice Chianti? Only if you like to go a bit overboard. And don't forget the meatball sub recipe that will give you the best meatball experience.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Leftovers? Lucky you! This meatballs sauce tastes even better the next day, honestly. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
For freezing, let the Italian meatballs and homemade sauce cool completely before popping them into freezer safe bags or containers. They'll last for up to three months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The slow cooker meatballs reheat gently, and are perfect when kept on warm, for a party,
Variations: Mix It Up!
Want to get creative? Go for it! For a dietary swap, try using ground turkey instead of beef. It's lighter but still delicious.
For seasonal swaps, use fresh tomatoes in the summer for an even more vibrant tomato sauce recipe.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
Okay, so this is comfort food , but let’s be real. It's not exactly a salad, is it? A serving of our meatballs sauce packs a good punch of protein from the meat.
But remember, it also contains carbs and fat. Eat in moderation. The ground beef recipes can be enjoyed in balanced way.
So, there you have it! My personal notes to help you along the way. This meatballs sauce will soon become a family favorite.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my meatballs from being tough? I want that proper melt-in-your mouth texture!
The key to tender meatballs is to avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and makes the meatballs tough, like trying to chew through a brick! Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
Also, chilling the mixture before forming the meatballs helps them hold their shape and stay tender during cooking. Think of it as letting them have a little spa day before the main event!
Can I make the meatballs sauce ahead of time? Like, can I be a domestic goddess and get it done the day before?
Absolutely! In fact, the meatballs sauce often tastes even better the next day! The flavours have more time to meld together and deepen, giving you that proper, authentic taste. Just prepare the sauce as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving it's like giving your future self a big hug!
What can I add to my meatballs sauce to give it that extra "oomph"? Like, a little something special?
Want to give your meatballs sauce a little "je ne sais quoi"? A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick, or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar at the end will add depth and sweetness. Some people also swear by a bay leaf during simmering, just remember to remove it before serving!
Experiment and find your signature flavour profile, like you're auditioning for MasterChef.
Can I use different meats for the meatballs? What if I fancy something other than beef and pork?
You can definitely mix things up! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives, just make sure they still have some fat content to keep the meatballs moist. You could even try a combination of ground lamb and beef for a richer, more robust flavour think of it as a Mediterranean twist on a classic.
Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meatballs are cooked through.
How long will leftover meatballs sauce keep, and what's the best way to store it? Gotta avoid a food poisoning drama!
Leftover meatballs sauce will generally keep in the fridge for 3-4 days if stored properly. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Always use your best judgement and give it the sniff test before digging in, just to be on the safe side!
Is this meatballs sauce healthy? What are some ways to make it a bit lighter on the waistline?
While comforting, this meatballs sauce can be quite rich. To lighten it up, consider using leaner ground meat, reducing the amount of oil, and adding more vegetables like chopped zucchini or bell peppers to the sauce. You could also serve it with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a lower carb option.
Remember, moderation is key, and a balanced diet is always best!
Mamas Meatballs The Ultimate Comfort Food In Tom
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 20-25g |
