If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than Contadina Baked Meatballs in Tomato Herb Sauce. This recipe takes a classic Italian favorite and adds a special twist with a blend of aromatic herbs and a rich, homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, these baked meatballs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For the Tomato Herb Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Herb Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet with the tomato herb sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve hot over spaghetti or with a side of crusty bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Uniform Size: Make sure all meatballs are the same size for even cooking.
- Rest the Meatballs: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce to help them hold their shape.
Variations:
- Slow Cooker Option: After baking the meatballs, transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Insert a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each meatball before baking for a gooey surprise.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
Contadina Baked Meatballs in Tomato Herb Sauce is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The blend of herbs in the meatballs and the rich tomato sauce create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you bake them in the oven or slow cook them for hours, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Share your experiences in the comments below and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends on social media. Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes like this one.