Discover AK FOOD‘s unique take on the globally beloved meatball cooked in sauce recipe – a family favorite. In today’s fast-paced world, preparing delicious, nutritious meals is a significant challenge.

This recipe offers simplicity, time efficiency, and balanced nutrition, catering to all tastes. From novices to experienced cooks, anyone can create tender, flavorful meatballs in a rich sauce.

Meatball cooked in sauceMeatball cooked in sauce

Introduction of meatball cooked in sauce

The meatball cooked-in-sauce recipe is a beloved dish combining tender meatballs with a flavorful sauce. Key ingredients include ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings for meatballs, while the sauce typically features tomatoes and herbs. This versatile recipe allows for numerous variations to suit different tastes.

The meatball cooked-in sauce recipe gained popularity through Italian-American cuisine. However, similar dishes exist in Swedish, Middle Eastern, and Asian cultures, each adding unique twists to this global favorite.

Creative cooks continually reinvent the meatball cooked-in sauce recipe. This adaptability ensures the meatball cooked-in-sauce recipe remains a timeless, evolving culinary delight.

Meatball cooked in sauce recipe 

Ingredients 

Meatball ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Finely chopping a quarter cup of fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup milk

Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese

Sauce ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Open two 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Measure out 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (this is optional).
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dried oreganoDried oregano

How to cook 

Crafting perfect meatballs

  • Place all meatball ingredients (except the parsley, crushed tomatoes, and red pepper flakes) into a large bowl.
  • Use your hands to combine the ingredients, avoiding overmixing. Don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Roll the meat mixture into a ball, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

MeatballsMeatballs

Creating a flavorful sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onions to the heated oil and cook until they become translucent, which takes around 5 minutes.
  • After adding the garlic, let it cook for one more minute.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
  • Lower the heat and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring it.

Tomato sauceTomato sauce

Cooking the meatballs

  • Carefully introduce the meatballs to the simmering sauce.
  • Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until meatballs are ready to eat.
  • Cook the meatballs, stirring them occasionally to make sure they cook evenly.

More information: Meatball sauce with cream of mushroom soup – easy dinner

Best way to cook meatball in sauce

While our meatball cooked in sauce recipe uses the stovetop method, there are several ways to prepare this dish, each offering unique benefits: 

In the pot

Cooking meatballs directly in the sauce is a classic method for the meatball cooked in sauce recipe. This technique allows the meatballs to absorb the sauce’s flavors while cooking, resulting in a rich, cohesive dish.

To execute this method, gently add raw meatballs to simmering sauce and cook until fully done. This approach is ideal for helping your meatballs become more tender and absorb the sauce inside.

On stove

The stovetop method is perfect for those who prefer more control over their meatballs cooked in sauce recipes. Start by browning the meatballs in a pan, then add them to the sauce to finish cooking.

This technique allows for easy monitoring of both the sauce consistency and meatball doneness. It’s a versatile approach that works well for various meatballs cooked in sauce recipe variations. 

Meatballs on stoveMeatballs on stove

Slow cooker

For a hands-off approach to the meatball cooked in sauce recipe, consider using a slow cooker. This method is ideal for busy schedules, as it allows the flavors to develop over several hours with minimal effort.

Place the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is an exceptionally tender and flavorful meatball cooked in gravy.

In the oven

Baking is another excellent option for the meatball cooked in sauce recipe. This method offers even heat distribution and is convenient for larger batches. Start by partially baking the meatballs, add them to the sauce, and finish cooking in the oven.

This technique produces consistently cooked meatballs and a well-integrated sauce, making it a reliable choice for your meatballs.

Meatballs in the ovenMeatballs in the oven

More information: Easy and delicious: Pork meatballs in tomato sauce recipe

Elevate the meatball cooked in sauce recipe

To take your meatball cooked in sauce recipe to the next level, consider these gourmet tips:

  • Blend meats: Combine beef with pork or veal for added depth of flavor in your meatball cooked in sauce.
  • Add depth to the sauce: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to add complexity to the sauce.
  • Cheese surprise: Stuff meatballs with small cubes of mozzarella for a delightful melty center in your meatball cooked in sauce recipe.
  • Fresh herbs: Finish your dish with freshly torn basil or oregano leaves.
  • Texture contrast: Serve your meatballs with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs.

Toasted pine nutsToasted pine nuts

More information: Juicy & Flavorful: The best turkey and dressing meatballs recipe

Conclusion

This easy meatball cooked in sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to the fact that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a comforting and flavorful meal on the table in no time. 

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with various herbs, spices, and types of ground meat to create a flavor profile that speaks to your family’s preferences.

Have questions about this recipe or want to share your culinary creations? Connect with us at AK FOOD – we love hearing from fellow food lovers!

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *