Meatballs with tomato sauce

Delicious Meatballs Recipe with Tomato Sauce and Tagliatelle

Welcome to our kitchen! Today I present you a recipe for meatballs with tomato sauce, a classic and comforting dish that combines the rich flavor of meat with the taste of fresh tomatoes. These meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends, and each bite promises an explosion of flavors. Let’s get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for meatballs:

- 300 g minced pork (you can also use beef or a mix)
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 2 slices of bread (preferably whole grain for extra nutrients)
- 1 egg
- 3 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill and parsley, chopped

Ingredients for the sauce:

- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 100 ml tomato juice
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (or dried if you don’t have)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For garnish:

- Tagliatelle pasta (about 250 g)

Recipe history:

Meatballs are a versatile dish found in many culinary cultures. They can be served with various sauces and sides, and their popularity largely comes from their ease of preparation and deliciousness. Tomato sauce, on the other hand, has been used for centuries to add moisture and flavor to meat dishes, becoming a classic accompaniment in many recipes.

Preparing the meatballs:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the potatoes and grating them with a fine grater. It is important to squeeze them well to avoid making the mixture too wet.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, grated potatoes, soaked and squeezed bread, egg, crushed garlic, dill, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you have a homogeneous mixture. It is recommended to use your hands to combine the ingredients, but you can also use a spatula.

3. Forming the meatballs: From the obtained mixture, form medium or larger-sized meatballs, depending on your preference. Place them on a muffin tray lined with special baking papers to give them a uniform shape.

4. Baking the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the meatballs for about 25 minutes or until they are golden and cooked inside. During this time, the aroma will fill the kitchen, and the grandchildren will start asking when they are ready!

Preparing the sauce:

5. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped red onion until it becomes translucent. Add the grated carrot and continue to sauté for 3-4 minutes.

6. Adding the tomatoes: Once the carrot has softened, add the blanched, peeled, and diced tomatoes along with the tomato juice. Add a little water to achieve a more fluid consistency. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

7. Seasoning the sauce: After the sauce has started to boil, add the diced bell pepper, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, then add the fresh or dried basil.

Finalizing the dish:

8. Adding the meatballs to the sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the baked meatballs to the skillet, covering them with sauce. Let them simmer together for 2-3 boils, so the flavors combine.

9. Preparing the pasta: Cook the tagliatelle according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Serving:

10. Plating: On each plate, add a serving of tagliatelle, then place the meatballs with tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle a little fresh basil or grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, the meatballs can be made with beef, chicken, or even turkey, depending on personal preferences.
- How can I make the sauce spicier? You can add a little chopped chili pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy flavor.
- Can the meatballs be frozen? Yes, uncooked meatballs can be frozen. Place them on a tray and freeze them before putting them in an airtight container.

Ideal combinations:

These meatballs with tomato sauce pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of grilled vegetables. Additionally, a glass of red wine will complement this dish excellently, adding an extra touch of elegance to the meal.

Nutritional details:

This recipe can provide approximately 500 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the amount of sauce. The meatballs are a good source of protein due to the meat, and tomatoes offer valuable antioxidants, being rich in vitamin C.

Useful tips:

- If you want leaner meatballs, you can use minced meat with a lower fat content.
- For an even more intense flavor, let the meatball mixture sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking them.

This meatball recipe with tomato sauce is easy to make and can quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!