Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and parsley. Mix well.
3. Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake meatballs for 15 minutes or until browned.
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add flour to the skillet and stir until it turns golden brown.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
8. Add meatballs to the skillet and stir until they are coated with the tomato sauce.
9. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Serve meatballs with fresh basil leaves as garnish.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the meatballs.
- Make smaller meatballs and serve them as appetizers.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized meatballs.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture or they will become tough.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom.
- Serve meatballs with pasta or on a sandwich.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve meatballs on a bed of spaghetti or with a side of garlic bread.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are too dry, add more milk or egg to the mixture.
- If the tomato sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
Food history:
- Meatballs are a traditional Italian dish that has been around for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, tangy, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve meatballs as a main dish with pasta or on a sandwich.
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