Go Back

Meatballs Sauce Recipe

A family favorite combining juicy meatballs with a rich savory sauce, perfect over pasta or in a sub.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooking spoon or spatula
  • Oven-safe baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
  3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the onions. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over them and let it simmer for another 20 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot over pasta, in subs, or on their own.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for longer if time allows.