Easy Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Stove Top Recipe)

These easy Italian meatballs are made with ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, and fresh herbs, and simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce for the most tender and delicious meatballs ever. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal. Discover how long to cook meatballs after browning, storage instructions and serving ideas.

When it comes to comfort food, Italian meatballs in tomato sauce are at the top of the list. These meatballs are packed with a lot of flavor, making them an easy and delicious meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're serving them over spaghetti, in a meatball sub, or with a side salad, these meatballs are sure to please.

For the best results, it's important to follow the right cooking method. Understanding how long to cook meatballs in sauce after browning ensures you achieve the most tender meatballs that soak up all the rich flavors of the tomato sauce. This cooking method guarantees perfectly cooked meatballs every time.

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend afternoon. You can make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers the next day. These meatballs are easy to prepare and cook, making them a go-to dish for any occasion.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to Make Easy Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
• Chef’s Tips
• Substitutions
• Variations
• What to Serve With Italian Meatballs
• What Dessert to Serve with Easy Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
• Best Wine Pairings for Italian Meatballs
• Storage Instructions
• FAQ's
• Easy Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Stove Top Recipe)

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy: This recipe is simple to follow, using ground beef and ground pork to create a flavorful meat mixture. With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking method, you can have delicious homemade meatballs ready in no time.
• Versatile and Comforting: These meatballs are perfect for any occasion. Serve them over spaghetti, in meatball subs, or alongside a fresh side salad for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Basic equipment needed: All you need is a large bowl, a large skillet, or frying pan to prepare these Italian-style meatballs. No fancy equipment required!
• Crowd pleaser: This recipe makes a big batch, ensuring there's plenty to go around. The browned bits and simmering sauce add great flavor, making these meatballs a hit at any gathering.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This makes it easy to enjoy a delicious meal even on busy days, with minimal effort required.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• Lean Ground Beef: Provides a rich, meaty flavor and a leaner option for the meat mixture.
• Lean Ground Pork: Adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and keeps the meatballs from falling apart.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor to the meatballs.
• Fennel Seeds: Brings a subtle, sweet, and aromatic note.
• Dried Oregano: Enhances the Italian flavors in the meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying the meatballs.

See the recipe card for quantities.

For the Tomato Sauce

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses the meatballs and sauce with a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Fresh Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle, herbal note to the sauce.
• Fresh Oregano: Provides a fresh, peppery flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Rosemary: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch to the tomato sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor in the sauce.
• Whole Peeled Tomatoes: Forms the base of the rich tomato sauce.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil: Used as a garnish, adding a fresh and vibrant flavor.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Easy Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Make the Meatball Mixture

• Add the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fennel seeds, dried oregano and egg in a large bowl.
• Generously season with salt and pepper.
• Mix everything together with your hands, until really well combined.

• Use a tablespoon measuring spoon (or a small cookie scoop) to measure out heaped spoonsful on the meat mixture.
• Use wet hands and roll even-sized meatballs.
• Pack the raw meatballs on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Brown the Meatballs

• Heat the oil in a large Dutch Oven, large sauce pan or large skillet over medium heat.
• Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, and adding more oil as you need. (Do not overload the pot otherwise the meatballs will not brown, but rather ‘boil’)
• The meatballs should be golden brown on all sides and almost cooked through.
• Transfer browned meatballs to a sheet pan or plate and set aside. 

Make the Simmering Sauce

• In the same pan, add the rest of the olive oil and fry the onion and garlic over medium low heat until soft and translucent. (Don't worry about the browned bits from the meatballs, the onion will soak it up and add lots of flavor to the sauce.)
• Add the fresh herbs and fry for a minute or two.

• Then add the tomato paste and cook for another minute or two.
• Add the whizzed canned tomatoes, red wine vinegar and a cup of water to the pot, and bring to a simmer. (We like to use the best quality canned whole peeled Italian tomatoes we can find and use a food processor or hand blender to give them a quick ‘whizz’. If you prefer a chunky sauce you can simply break up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon in the pot during the cooking process or use crushed tomatoes.)
• Gently simmer the sauce on low heat for 15 - 20 minutes uncovered stirring occasionally until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
• Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

• Add the browned meatballs to sauce, gently move them around to coat them in the sauce. (Don’t stir them too much otherwise the meatballs will fall apart)
• Cover and simmer the meatballs in the sauce on low heat for 15 - 20 minutes or until cooked through.
• Gently stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t burn.

Serve and Enjoy

• Cook spaghetti according to packet instructions to al dente.
• Drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with lots of fresh basil and grated parmesan.
• Or serve in soft rolls to make meatball subs. Top with grated mozzarella cheese and melt cheese under the grill.

Chef’s Tips

• Use a large mixing bowl: This ensures you can mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Chill the meatballs: After shaping, place the raw meatballs in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while browning.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet: Brown the meatballs in batches to achieve a golden-brown crust on all sides.
• Use an instant-read thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked meatballs.
• Simmer gently: Keep the sauce on low heat to allow the meatballs to soak up the tomato sauce without falling apart.

Substitutions

• Italian Sausage: Swap ground pork with Italian sausage for an extra burst of flavor.
• Ground Pork: Use all ground pork instead of a mix of beef and pork for a different taste profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Replace fresh herbs with Italian seasoning for a quicker preparation.
• Pecorino Romano: Substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.

Variations

• Baked Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of browning them on the stove top.
• Swedish Meatballs: Use this meatballs recipe as a base, but use nutmeg and cardamom as the flavor components. Replace the tomato sauce with a creamy gravy consisting of beef stock, sour cream and lingonberry jelly for a Swedish twist.

What to Serve With Italian Meatballs

• Spaghetti or Tagliatelle: A classic pairing that soaks up the tomato sauce beautifully.
• Pappardelle: Wide noodles that hold the sauce well and complement the meatballs.
• Zucchini Noodles: A lighter, low-carb and gluten free alternative to traditional pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the flavorful sauce. Or try our Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread
• Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich meatballs.
• Creamy Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes: A comforting side that pairs well with the savory meatballs.

What Dessert to Serve with Easy Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Something fruity: For a light and refreshing finish, consider serving meringue with berries or fruit in season, a scoop of gelato, or a refreshing granita. These fruity desserts balance the rich flavors of the meatballs.
• Very Italian: Keep the Italian theme going with a ricotta cheesecake, pear crostata, cannoli, or zabaglione. These classic Italian desserts offer a sweet end to your meal with authentic flavors. 
• Totally decadent: If you're in the mood for something indulgent, Tiramisu is the perfect choice. Its creamy, coffee-flavored layers complement the savory meatballs and provide a satisfying finish.

Best Wine Pairings for Italian Meatballs

• Chianti Classico: With its medium body and bright acidity, Chianti Classico offers flavors of cherry and plum that perfectly balance the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.
• Sangiovese: This medium-bodied wine features flavors of tart cherry and leather, making it a great match for the rich and savory meatballs.
• Zinfandel: Known for its bold fruitiness and peppery notes, Zinfandel complements the hearty flavors of the meatballs and tomato sauce.
• Merlot: A classic red wine with a medium body, Merlot provides flavors of black cherry and vanilla, pairing wonderfully with tomato-based sauces.
• Pinot Grigio / Sauvignon Blanc: These white wines, with their citrus flavors, offer a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs and tomato sauce.

Storage Instructions

Fridge

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Freezer

• Raw meatballs - Pack the raw meatballs in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap and freeze.  Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. 
• Tomato sauce – Make sure the sauce has cooled down. Pour into an airtight container and freeze for 3 to 4 months. 
• Cooked meatballs – Cool down cooked meatballs in sauce. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months

How to Reheat Meatballs

Thaw meatballs and sauce in the fridge. Reheat meatballs and sauce on the stove top over medium heat until warmed through.

Make-ahead instructions

Prepare meatballs and sauce ahead of time, store in the fridge or freezer, and reheat as needed.

FAQ's

Making Italian meatballs in tomato sauce is an easy and delicious way to bring comfort food to your table. With ground beef, fresh herbs, and the perfect simmering sauce, you'll enjoy flavorful meatballs that are tender and satisfying. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. 

Try this recipe today and discover the best way to enjoy homemade Italian-style meatballs! Don't forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your meatballs turned out. 

Happy cooking!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.