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In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the classic meatball served in a rich, sweet tomato sauce. This homestyle recipe combines the savory flavors of ground beef and pork with a delectable sauce that hits all the right notes. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, these meatballs are not only easy to make but also offer a heartwarming experience that brings everyone to the table. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation methods, and serving suggestions for these comforting meatballs, ensuring you can recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen.

Homestyle Meatballs in Sweet Tomato Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of homestyle meatballs in sweet tomato sauce with this easy recipe. Combining ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, and a blend of herbs, these meatballs are baked to perfection and simmered in a luscious, sweet sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish can be served over pasta or in a hearty meatball sub. Discover the joy of creating this heartwarming staple that everyone will love.

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the right amount of fat)

1/2 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)

For the Sweet Tomato Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 tablespoons sugar (or honey for a healthier option)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated, but do not overmix.

      Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should yield about 20 meatballs.

        Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.

          Prepare the Sweet Tomato Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

            Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar (or honey), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

              Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the meatballs to soak up the flavors of the sauce.

                Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot over pasta, in meatball subs, or on its own with crusty bread.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6