Meatballs in tomato sauce

Delicious Meatballs in Tomato Sauce – A Healthy and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors and tastes! Today, I will teach you how to prepare meatballs in tomato sauce – a simple and healthy recipe that brings with it a story full of flavor and comfort. These meatballs are similar to meatballs, but with a healthy twist, as they are boiled instead of fried, thus retaining the juiciness of the meat and the richness of the flavors.

A Brief History of Meatballs

Meatballs are a dish that has gained popularity worldwide. From Sunday family meals to festive gatherings, these delicious little meatballs are often accompanied by rich sauces that enhance their flavor. Whether served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or simply with fresh bread, meatballs are always welcome. Today, we will focus on the healthy version, carefully cooked in tomato sauce, making them even more delicious.

Necessary Ingredients

- 400 g minced meat (preferably beef or a mix of meats)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 8 tablespoons flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons oil for sautéing
- 1 small onion
- 400 ml tomato juice
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, pepper, thyme, oregano to taste
- Optional: 1-2 cloves of garlic

Precious Tips About Ingredients

To achieve the best results, use fresh meat, preferably from a trusted source. Beef is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with pork or turkey. Fresh parsley and dill add a vibrant and fresh flavor, so don’t skip them! If you like more intense flavors, add finely chopped garlic to the meat mixture for an extra kick.

Step by Step – Cooking the Meatballs

1. Preparing the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, finely chopped parsley and dill, ketchup, breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons of flour, the egg, salt, pepper, and spices to taste. If using garlic, add it now. Mix the entire mixture well until it becomes homogeneous. I recommend using a spatula or even your hands to ensure that the ingredients are well integrated.

2. Cooking the onion: Peel and chop the onion into small cubes. In a pot, heat 4 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step is essential as sautéed onion adds a special flavor to the sauce.

3. Preparing the sauce: After the onion has sautéed, add the broth (tomato juice) and 100 ml of water. Now is the time to season the sauce with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Add the bay leaves and let everything simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to combine.

4. Forming the meatballs: In a small bowl, place the remaining flour. Wet your hands and form small-sized meatballs, which you will then dust with flour. This technique will help achieve a pleasant texture and prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Boiling the meatballs: Place the meatballs in the simmering sauce and let them cook on low heat for 20 minutes. This step will ensure that the meatballs are perfectly cooked and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

6. Thickening the sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve a tablespoon of flour in a little water and gradually pour it into the sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer for another 4-5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

7. Adjusting the taste: Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings. I love to add a splash of sugar and a bit of balsamic vinegar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This sweet-sour note works wonders!

Serving and Suggestions

Meatballs in tomato sauce are delicious served with a side of pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. A fresh vegetable salad will perfectly complement the meal. If you want to add a touch of refinement, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving.

Delicious Variations

If you are looking for variations, try adding finely chopped vegetables to the meat mixture, such as carrots or zucchini. These not only add nutrients but also moisture, making the meatballs even juicier. You can also experiment with different types of sauces, such as cream sauce or yogurt sauce, for a creamier taste.

Nutritional Information

This recipe is rich in protein due to the meat, and the tomato sauce provides an important supply of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. The flour and breadcrumbs add complex carbohydrates, providing long-term energy. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken is an excellent choice, but make sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add chili flakes or chili sauce to the tomato sauce for an extra kick of flavor and heat.

3. Can the meatballs be frozen?
Absolutely! Cooked meatballs can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you want to consume them, thaw and reheat them in the sauce.

4. What side dishes go best?
Pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes are classic combinations. A fresh salad or grilled vegetables are also excellent options.

I wish you happy cooking and a meal full of joy! Enjoy your meal!