Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- 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 beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and milk. Mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the beef balls for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir to combine.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well.
7. Add the beef balls to the skillet and stir gently to coat them with the tomato sauce.
8. Simmer the beef balls in the tomato sauce for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
Baking temperature: 375°F
Cooking temperature: Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 27g
Sodium: 950mg
Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or pork can be used instead of beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Fresh basil can be used instead of dried basil.
- Fresh oregano can be used instead of dried oregano.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Romano, instead of Parmesan.
- Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized beef balls.
- Wet your hands with water before shaping the beef balls to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Don't overmix the beef mixture, as it can make the beef balls tough.
- Serve the beef balls with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover beef balls and tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the beef balls and tomato sauce in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the beef balls and tomato sauce in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish the beef balls with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Pairings:
Serve the beef balls with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef balls are too dry, add a splash of milk to the mixture.
- If the tomato sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the beef balls are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftover beef balls and tomato sauce in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Italian-style meatballs have been a popular dish in Italy for centuries. They were originally made with a mixture of beef and pork and served with tomato sauce and pasta.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, slightly spicy, and tangy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the beef balls and tomato sauce over pasta or with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
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Region: Italian