Italian meatballs recipe
Share this recipe on FacebookMeatballs flavored with Italian herbs baked in the oven with tomato sauce, great with spaghetti or as a snack.
Preparation time: 10 minutes, Cooking time: 20 minutes, Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 tsp basil, dried
1/2 tsp oregano, dried
1/2 tsp rosemary, dried
1/2 tsp thyme, dried
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
For the tomato sauce
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp of oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 can of tomatoes, whole or chopped
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C).
In a medium bowl, add the ground beef, bread crumbs, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg and milk and mix gently using your hands. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until ingredients blend and release their flavor. Shape into 12 meat balls and place in a baking dish. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cooked through.
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a sauce pan, add the olive oil and heat it over medium to high heat. Add the onions and saute them until translucent. Add the garlic and fry for 1 more minute. Add the bay leaf, oregano and tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes, semi-covered, until the sauce thickens.
When the meatballs are cooked, remove them using a slotted spoon and add them to the tomato sauce. Heat through for 3-4 minutes and turn the heat off.
Notes and tips
This dish is great with spaghetti or as a snack, with French or Italian bread, topped with melted cheese.
