Classic Beef Meatballs & Tomato Sauce - Ballerina Farm

Recipes Beef, Ground Beef, Kid Friendly, Mains, Meat Boxes, Summer

Classic Beef Meatballs & Tomato Sauce

Prep time
45 mins
Cook time
1 hr
Yield
4 to 6 servings

You can often find our chefs at Ballerina Farm hand-forming meatballs while a big pot of tomato sauce simmers on the stove. We stock this recipe both fresh and frozen on our shelves year round, and it's become a staple of the Ballerina Farm store. Depending on the time of year, we use either fresh or canned tomatoes, both of which work well here. If you have a bounty of tomatoes at the end of summer, consider canning them, or simply freeze the tomatoes whole. You can thaw them and use them directly in the sauce.

Classic Beef Meatballs & Tomato Sauce

Prep: 45 minsCook: 1 hrYield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

    Simple Tomato Sauce

    Classic Beef Meatballs

    Directions:

    1. Finely dice the onion, then peel the garlic cloves and smash them with the side of a knife.
    2. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over low heat. Add the diced onion and sauté gently until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
    3. Add the smashed garlic along with the oregano and thyme. Cook until fragrant, for about 2 minutes.
    4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes until slightly thickened.
    5. Add the sugar and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
    6. Remove from heat and finish by stirring in handfuls of fresh basil, tearing the leaves as you add them to the pot. Set aside while preparing the meatballs.

    Classic Beef Meatballs

    1. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit (175-degrees Celsius).
    2. Grate the onion and finely mince (or grate) the garlic clove. Add them to a large bowl along with the egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and salt. Mix until well-incorporated.
    3. Add the ground beef and gently mix until just combined. Be careful to avoid over-mixing, as this will make the meatballs tough.
    4. Form the mixture into 1-ounce (30-gram) meatballs and arrange them on a lightly oiled sheet tray.
    5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature registers 155- to 160-degrees Fahrenheit (about 70-degrees Celsius) on an instant-read thermometer.
    6. Transfer the meatballs to the tomato sauce, then return the sauce to the stove and simmer gently for a few minutes to finish.
    7. Serve over your favorite pasta, or enjoy on their own.

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    This Recipe Features:

    Farm Favorite Recipes

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