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Delicious and Homestyle Meatball Sunday Feast

Ingredients

  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Cooked spaghetti for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Shape the meat mixture into round balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - For combining the meatball ingredients.
  • Skillet - To brown the meatballs and prepare the sauce.
  • Cooking Spoon - For stirring the sauce and meatballs while cooking.
  • Knife - For mincing garlic, chopping onions, and garnishing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure ingredients.
  • Tongs - To turn the meatballs while browning.
  • Cover - To simmer the meatballs in the sauce.
  • Serving Plate - For presenting the meatballs and sauce.

Recipe variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
  • Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
  • Substitute Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for the Parmesan for a different taste profile.
  • Include Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for a twist on the seasoning blend.
  • For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Make vegetarian meatballs using a mix of cooked lentils, quinoa, and mushrooms as a base.
  • Experiment with different sauces like marinara, Alfredo, or pesto for serving the meatballs.
  • Add a kick of spice with crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture.

Recipe overview

"Meatball Sunday" is a heartwarming dish that brings the whole family together. This recipe combines tender, homemade meatballs with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, served over cooked spaghetti. The meatballs are made with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, then browned to perfection. They're simmered in a delicious sauce made from crushed tomatoes, onions, and basil. The final touch is a garnish of fresh basil leaves, adding a pop of color and a burst of freshness. This is a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for a Sunday dinner. Expect a cooking time of around 1 hour, but the delicious end result is more than worth the wait. Enjoy your cooking!

TimeApprox. 1 hr 10 min
ServingsThis recipe should make about 6 servings.
CaloriesApprox. 700
Print recipe

Common questions

  1. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through? - The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) with no pink in the center.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs? - Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a mixture of meats for the ground beef in this recipe.
  3. Can I freeze the meatballs? - Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. What can I serve with the meatballs besides spaghetti? - Meatballs can also be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a delicious meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - For baking the meatballs in the oven if preferred over stovetop cooking.
  • Skillet - To brown the meatballs and simmer them in the sauce.
  • Cooking spoon - For stirring the sauce and meatballs while simmering.
  • Sharp knife - For mincing garlic and chopping onions.
  • Large mixing bowl - For combining the meatball ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure out ingredients like bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices.
  • Tongs - For flipping and removing the meatballs from the skillet.
  • Grater - For grating fresh Parmesan cheese if not using pre-grated.

Origin stories

The humble meatball, a beloved staple in various forms around the globe, has a rich and diverse history. In Italy, it is widely accepted that the concept of the meatball dates back to the Roman Empire, with early iterations found in the ancient Roman cookbook "Apicius" that was compiled in the late 4th or early 5th century AD. These early Italian meatballs were made from a mixture of minced meat, bread soaked in wine, and seasoned with pepper and myrtle berries before being boiled in rich stocks. However, the Italian-American version of meatballs simmered in tomato sauce, served with spaghetti, that we're fond of today, is an immigrant adaptation that took root in the United States in the early 20th century. The evolution of this dish tells the story of Italian immigrants adapting their culinary traditions to new circumstances. So when you cook up a batch of meatballs for your Sunday supper, you're not just making a meal but continuing a centuries-old tradition that's been passed down through generations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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