Meatballs in oven sauce

Meatballs in oven sauce

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I have always remembered the enticing aroma of the meatballs made by my mom. This simple recipe not only brings a delicious dish to the table, but also connects us to pleasant memories. The meatballs in oven sauce are perfect for a family meal, and the combination of meat, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese makes them irresistible. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- For meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (a mix of pork and beef)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 2 pieces of bread (approximately 100g)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon oregano (or to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (or regular sugar, to preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Breadcrumbs, for coating
- Oil for frying

- For sauce:
- 500 ml tomato juice
- 3 cloves of garlic, sliced
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 50 ml cold water
- Grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, to preference)

- For garnish:
- Potatoes (for mashed potatoes)
- Milk (for mashed potatoes)
- Pickles (for serving)

Detailed Instructions

1. Preparing the meatballs

1. Meat preparation: In a deeper bowl, add the minced meat. Make sure it is of good quality; fresh meat will give a better taste to the meatballs.

2. Soaking the bread: In another bowl, add the 2 pieces of bread and cover them with water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential to keep the meatballs juicy.

3. Garlic: While the bread is soaking, take 2 cloves of garlic and crush them. Add the crushed garlic to the minced meat.

4. Combining ingredients: After the bread has soaked, squeeze it well to remove excess water, then add it to the bowl with meat. Also add the 2 eggs, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix the composition well with your hands (or with a spatula) until all ingredients are well integrated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.

5. Shaping the meatballs: In a deep plate, place the breadcrumbs. Wet your hands to shape the meatballs more easily and form balls the size of a walnut. Roll them in breadcrumbs and place them on a wooden board. This step will give a crispy and delicious crust.

6. Frying: In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until they are golden on all sides (about 5 minutes on each side). Place them on a large plate after frying to cool slightly.

2. Preparing the sauce

1. Remaining garlic: Slice the other 3 cloves of garlic. This will add extra flavor to the sauce.

2. Sauce mixture: In a small pot, add the tomato juice and 50 ml of cold water. Mix well, then add the sliced garlic, oregano, sugar, and cinnamon. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness with more sugar if necessary.

3. Boiling the sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the sauce to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become more concentrated and flavorful.

3. Assembling and baking

1. Assembling: In an oven-safe dish, place a spoonful of tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer the meatballs, covering them with the remaining sauce. Make sure you have enough sauce left to cover the meatballs at the end.

2. Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese over the meatballs.

3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the dish in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

4. Preparing the garnish

1. Mashed potatoes: Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until soft. Drain and mash them with a hand blender or potato masher, gradually adding milk to achieve a creamy consistency. You can also add a splash of butter for a richer taste.

2. Serving: Serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes and pickles on the side. This combination offers a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures.

Practical Tips

- Flavoring: You can experiment with different herbs, such as basil or parsley, to give a twist to your recipe.
- Variations: If you want a healthier version, you can bake the meatballs in the oven instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Preparing in advance: The meatballs can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat them in the tomato sauce before serving to bring back the fresh taste.
- Frequently asked questions: Why is it important to soak the bread? This step helps maintain the juiciness of the meatballs, preventing them from becoming dry.

Nutritional information

One serving of meatballs in sauce (approximately 3 meatballs) contains:
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

These meatballs are not only delicious but also a good source of protein and nutrients, thanks to the meat and garlic, which provide benefits for the immune system.

Conclusion

Meatballs in oven sauce are not just a simple dish, but a true culinary experience that will remind you of family meals. Whether you choose to serve them with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, these meatballs will surely be a hit at your table. So, remember the traditions in the kitchen and bring the recipe to life with every bite. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Today, while standing in the morning and thinking about what to cook, I remembered my dear mother who used to make delicious meatballs, so I didn't hesitate and started preparing them! We need: 500 g minced meat mix of pork and beef, 5 cloves of garlic, 2 crusts of bread, 2 eggs, oregano, brown sugar (I used it, but regular is fine too), 500 ml tomato juice, cinnamon, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, potatoes, milk for mashed potatoes, pickled cucumbers, salt and pepper to taste.