Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Add the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the tomato sauce over them.
6. Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Stir in chopped basil and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or pork.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Fresh parsley and basil can be substituted with dried herbs.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
- Use different types of ground meat for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands before rolling the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs.
- Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover meatballs and tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat meatballs and tomato sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve meatballs and tomato sauce over cooked spaghetti or zucchini noodles.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or grated parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs 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:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Meatballs with tomato sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that has been popular in the United States since the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
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Region: Italian