Spinach moussaka with beef

Delicious Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Recipe

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

If you are looking for a simple and quick recipe that brings the whole family to the table, meatballs with tomato sauce are the perfect choice. These little delights are juicy, flavorful, and can be served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or simply with a slice of fresh bread. Let's see together how you can prepare this savory dish!

Ingredients:
- 500 g minced meat (you can use beef, pork, or a combination of both)
- 1 large onion
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 egg
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional)
- 400 g canned tomatoes (or 500 g fresh tomatoes, peeled)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for the sauce)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)

Preparation:

1. Start by chopping the onion and garlic. Peel the onion and dice it, while you can crush or finely chop the garlic, depending on your preference. Sautéing the onion is essential to bring out its flavor, so put two tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the garlic and let it cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

3. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the onion and garlic mixture. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika if using. Mix all the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture.

4. Form small meatballs from the mixture, making sure to give them a round or slightly flattened shape, depending on your preference. You can get about 16-20 meatballs.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. In a skillet, add the tomatoes (if using fresh tomatoes, cut them into cubes) and add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. You can also add a bay leaf for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. When the meatballs are ready, add them to the tomato sauce and let them soak up the delicious flavors for a few minutes over low heat.

8. Serve the meatballs with hot tomato sauce, alongside pasta, rice, or simply with fresh bread. You can garnish the plate with a little chopped fresh parsley for a nice appearance.

Practical tips:
- For a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in the oven without oil, using a non-stick tray.
- Add grated cheese to the meatball mixture for a richer taste.
- If you want a spicier sauce, you can add chili flakes or chili.

These meatballs with tomato sauce are not just a quick recipe, but also a perfect choice for a quiet family dinner or a festive meal. Enjoy every bite and savor the authentic flavors of this classic dish!