Dinner

Classic Italian Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

These tender, juicy beef meatballs are simmered in a robust homemade tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting Italian meal. The secret to their incredible softness lies in bread soaked with grated onion.

Classic Italian Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the grated onion with the sandwich bread and milk. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes until the bread is fully softened and mushy. Squeeze out any excess liquid, reserving the liquid if desired for extra flavor, or discard.
  2. To the bowl with the soaked bread mixture, add the ground beef, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic (for meatballs), chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
  3. Form the mixture into approximately 18-20 golf-ball sized meatballs.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides until a nice crust forms. They don't need to be cooked through, just browned. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.
  5. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic (for sauce) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, optional red pepper flakes, and optional sugar. Stir well.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then carefully return the browned meatballs to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the meatballs simmer gently in the sauce for at least 30-40 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor, stirring occasionally. The meatballs will cook through and become very tender.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, perhaps over pasta or with crusty bread.

Embrace the comforting flavors of Italy with these homemade beef meatballs, a staple in any Italian kitchen. This recipe focuses on creating exceptionally tender meatballs, achieved by incorporating bread soaked in grated onion, which not only adds moisture but also a depth of savory flavor. Paired with a simple yet rich tomato sauce, this dish promises a delightful and satisfying experience for the whole family.