International > Mediterranean > Greek

Baked Lamb and Beef Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

6. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

7. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.

8. Simmer the tomato sauce over low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

9. Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the tomato sauce and stir gently to coat them in the sauce.

10. Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are heated through.

11. Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Baking temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1050mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or turkey can be substituted for the ground lamb or beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for regular breadcrumbs.
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese can be substituted for Parmesan cheese.
- Dried parsley can be substituted for fresh parsley.
- Canned diced tomatoes can be substituted for crushed tomatoes.

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Use Italian seasoning instead of dried oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for some heat.
- Use a combination of ground pork, beef, and lamb for a more complex flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- To make rolling the meatballs easier, wet your hands with cold water before rolling.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture or the meatballs will become tough.
- Make sure to simmer the tomato sauce long enough to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Leftover meatballs and tomato sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Storage Instructions:
- Leftover meatballs and tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the meatballs and tomato sauce, place them in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce in a large serving dish, garnished with chopped fresh basil.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh basil

Pairings:
- Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the meatballs are too dry, add a splash of milk to the meatball mixture to moisten it.
- If the tomato sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Store leftover meatballs and tomato sauce in the refrigerator or freezer within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

Food History:
- Meatballs are a popular dish in many cultures, including Italian, Swedish, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Flavor Profiles:
- Savory, meaty, tangy, slightly sweet.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce as a main course for dinner.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Meaty, Spicy