Baked Meatballs with Tomato and Basil Sauce
These classic baked meatballs are a must-try for any home cook. They're made with a simple combination of ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, and egg, then baked in a flavorful tomato and basil sauce. Serve them with your favorite pasta or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Meatballs have been a staple of Italian-American cuisine for centuries, and there are countless variations on the classic recipe. This particular recipe is inspired by the meatballs that my grandmother used to make. She would always make a big batch on Sundays, and we would eat them for dinner that night and for leftovers all week long. Her meatballs were always so moist and flavorful, and the sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I've been making this recipe for years, and it's always a hit with my family and friends. It's a simple recipe, but it's one that I'm always happy to share.
Baked Meatballs with Tomato and Basil Sauce Baked Meatballs with Tomato and Basil Sauce Baked Meatballs with Tomato and Basil Sauce Baked Meatballs with Tomato and Basil Sauce
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, salt and pepper.
  3. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Place the meatballs in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until browned.
  5. While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  7. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite pasta or rice.
Why It Works
  • The combination of ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, and egg creates a moist and flavorful meatball.
  • Baking the meatballs in the oven helps to seal in the juices and prevent them from drying out.
  • The tomato and basil sauce is the perfect complement to the meatballs, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity.
  • This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can add different spices to the meatballs, or use a different type of sauce.