Tiếng ViệtMeatballs in a spicy tomato sauce – the ultimate comfort food that seems like it takes hours to make, but what if we told you it’s ready in 30 minutes? This recipe from AK FOOD is about to become your new weeknight go-to.
We’re talking tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for a weekend gathering.
Forget slaving over a hot stove for hours; this recipe utilizes simple ingredients and smart techniques to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal!
What are meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce?
While their exact origins are unclear, meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce are deeply rooted in Italian-American cuisine. Early Italian immigrants in America adapted their culinary traditions, using available ingredients to create this household staple.
This meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce features two main components: savory meatballs and a rich, spicy tomato sauce. Meatballs, typically made with ground beef, veal, pork, or a combination, are seasoned with herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, and cheese for flavor and texture.
The tomato sauce starts with sautéed onions and garlic, simmered with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and chili flakes for desired heat.
The beauty of meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce lies in its adaptability. From the meat used to the spice level, customization is endless. Some recipes use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option, while others embrace plant-based meatballs made from lentils, beans, or vegetables.
The tomato sauce can be tailored with additions like red wine, smoked paprika, or a touch of sweetness for depth and complexity.
Meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce
More information: Meatballs with sauce
How to cook meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce?
This recipe for meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce is surprisingly simple and can be easily adapted to your liking.
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 pound of ground beef, or another ground meat of your choice
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley
For the spicy tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- You’ll need a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adjusting
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dried oregano
Step-by-step
Prepare the meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the ingredients with a light hand, mixing just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy meatballs.
- Portion the mixture into equal portions and shape them into round meatballs.
Raw meatballs
Make the spicy tomato sauce
- On medium heat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft.
- Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until you can smell its aroma.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine meatballs and sauce
- Carefully place the meatballs into the simmering sauce, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cover the saucepan and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Garnish and serve
- Once the meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce are ready, garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, polenta, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Garnish and serve
More information：Easy and delicious: Pork meatballs in tomato sauce recipe
Customize meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce
The beauty of this dish is its incredible versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce:
Meatball makeover
Go for pork
Elevate your meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce experience by swapping ground beef for pork. Pork meatballs offer a rich flavor and tender texture that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce. Use ground pork exclusively or blend it with ground veal for a more complex taste.
Lighten up
Use ground turkey or chicken in your meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce for a healthier option. These leaner proteins create a lighter meatball that’s still satisfying. Consider whole-wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and nutrition.
Go veggie
Embrace plant-based eating with vegetarian meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce. Options abound, crafted from lentils, black beans, quinoa, or a combination of vegetables and grains.
These protein-packed alternatives offer a satisfying texture and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
Go veggie
Tomato Sauce Transformations
Smoky Depth
Infuse your tomato sauce with a smoky depth using smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky aroma without significant heat, while chipotle peppers bring both smokiness and a fiery kick. Begin with a smaller amount of seasoning and adjust to taste forward your preference.
Italian Flair
Enhance the Italian flavors with a splash of dry red wine for depth and complexity, a pinch of sugar to balance the tomatoes’ acidity, and fresh basil leaves added at the end for a bright, herbaceous aroma.
Sweet and Spicy
Create a sweet and spicy balance with a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey, complementing the spicy chili flakes. For complexity, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sharp, lingering heat.
Flavor Bursts
Cheese Goodness
Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of richness.
Ricotta cheese
Veggies Ahoy
Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce.
Herb Infusion
Elevate the freshness for your meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme before serving.
More information：Meatballs in wine sauce: An elegant yet easy recipe
Conclusion
So there you have it! “A Flavor Explosion: Meatballs in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe” that’s easy to follow and even easier to devour. This dish, a classic for a reason, offers endless possibilities for customization, ensuring a delightful experience for every palate.
From tweaking the meatball base to adding your personal touch to the fiery tomato sauce, your culinary journey with meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce starts right here. Don’t forget to visit the AK FOOD website for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration.
For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us through the following channels:
Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)
Phone number: 028 3815 9696
Email: contact@akfood.com.vn
Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City