Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 500g ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for depth)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, and salt.
• Mix the ingredients gently using your hands or a spatula until everything is well incorporated without overworking the meat.
• Shape the mixture into 20 evenly sized meatballs and set aside on a tray.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs in batches and sear them until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
• Remove the meatballs and set aside on a plate. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
• In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, black pepper, paprika, oregano, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
• Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Carefully place the seared meatballs into the sauce, making sure they are fully submerged.
• Cover and let them simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
• Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Once cooked, garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
• Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or bread.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6 people
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g