Tiếng ViệtMeatballs in tomato sauce in the oven – the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a relaxed Sunday supper. AK FOOD brings you a recipe to make your weekend cooking a breeze.
We believe dinners should be about family, friends, and delicious food, not hours spent in the kitchen. The recipe combines simple preparation with maximum flavor, ensuring a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love.
What are meatballs in tomato sauce in oven?
While the exact origins of meatballs in tomato sauce in oven are debatable, culinary historians often trace the dish back to ancient Roman recipes featuring ground meat patties cooked in savory sauces.
However, the modern iteration we know and love today, featuring tender meatballs in tomato sauce in oven, likely emerged from the kitchens of Italian immigrants in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
At its heart, meatballs in tomato sauce in oven are a symphony of simple, wholesome ingredients. Ground meat, typically beef, pork, or a combination of both, forms the base of the meatballs.
These are then enriched with breadcrumbs for texture, grated Parmesan cheese for a savory depth, and aromatic herbs and spices for flavor.
The tomato sauce, simmered to perfection, typically includes crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce or purée, onions, garlic, and a medley of herbs and spices like oregano and basil.
Some cooks prefer to add a touch of sweetness to their sauce with a pinch of sugar, while others prefer a hint of heat with a dash of red pepper flakes.
The choice of herbs and spices is also flexible, with some opting for a more traditional Italian flavor profile and others experimenting with bolder, more exotic blends.
Meatballs in tomato sauce in oven
Ingredients for meatballs in tomato sauce in oven
For the meatballs
- 500g ground beef and pork mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step of making meatballs in tomato sauce in oven
Make the tomato sauce
Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Incorporate the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the tomato sauce
Make the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, lightly combine the ingredients until they are just incorporated. Don’t overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the mixture into 1/2-inch, using a cookie scoop or your hands.
Put it together
Gently place the meatballs in the simmering tomato sauce. Ensure the meatballs are almost fully covered by the sauce.
Pop in the oven to cook
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and preheat fully.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake the meatballs in tomato sauce in oven for 30-35 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Meatballs in tomato sauce in oven
What can be served with meatballs in tomato sauce in the oven?
What can you serve with meatballs in tomato sauce in the oven? This classic comfort food, bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, deserves equally delicious companions. From pasta to polenta and fresh salads, discover the perfect pairings to elevate your meatball masterpiece.
Classic choices
- Pasta: A timeless pairing, perfectly cooked pasta will soak up the rich tomato sauce. Choose classic spaghetti, hearty penne, or ridged rigatoni for a satisfying meal.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a comforting, rustic counterpoint to the bold flavors of meatballs in tomato sauce. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the dish.
Polenta
- Rice: A simple side of fluffy white rice acts as a blank canvas for the rich tomato sauce, ensuring every drop is savored.
More information: 30-minute meal prep: Easy pork meatballs in creamy sauce
Bread basket delights
- Crusty bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the delicious tomato sauce from your meatballs.
- Garlic bread: The garlicky aroma and buttery flavor of garlic bread complement the savory notes of the meatballs and tomato sauce beautifully.
- Breadsticks: For a lighter option, serve your meatballs in tomato sauce with a side of crispy breadsticks for dipping.
Breadsticks
Fresh and Healthy sides
- Salad: A refreshing salad adds a welcome burst of freshness and crunch. Opt for a simple green salad or get creative with seasonal vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini, provide a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
- Steamed vegetables: For a lighter option, serve your meatballs in tomato sauce with lightly steamed vegetables, such as green beans, asparagus, or peas.
Unique and Flavorful pairings
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the hearty flavors of meatballs in tomato sauce.
- Gnocchi: These Italian potato dumplings are a delightful alternative to pasta, offering a soft and pillowy texture that soaks up the flavorful tomato sauce.
- Couscous: For a lighter, more delicate pairing, serve your meatballs in tomato sauce with a side of fluffy couscous. Its subtle nutty flavor won’t overpower the dish.
Couscous
More information: Juicy & Flavorful: The best turkey and dressing meatballs recipe
Conclusion
This “Dinner Sorted: Irresistible Meatballs in Tomato Sauce in Oven” recipe is your ticket to a stress-free and satisfying Sunday meal. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs bathed in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, all baked to perfection in the oven.
It’s a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite. But don’t stop there! Visit the AK FOOD website for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that will transform your Sunday dinners and beyond. Happy cooking!
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