Meatballs with tomato sauce and mozzarella

Meatballs with tomato sauce and mozzarella is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make. The combination of savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella is irresistible. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Olive oil, for frying (or you can bake the meatballs if you prefer)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (or use marinara sauce)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For Assembling:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.

• Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

• Option 1 (Frying): Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned all over. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.

• Option 2 (Baking): Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C).

3. Make the Tomato Sauce:

• In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs (or another pan), heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.

4. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:

• Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked meatballs back into the pan, making sure they’re well-coated in the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

5. Add the Mozzarella:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Once the meatballs are cooked through and simmered in the sauce, transfer them to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs.

• Place the dish in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or on their own.

Optional Variations:

• Add vegetables: You can stir in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for added flavor.

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some extra heat.

This dish is a perfect combination of comfort and flavor—enjoy!