Best 8 Meatballs In Red Sauce Recipes

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**Indulge in the Hearty Goodness of Meatballs in Red Sauce: A Culinary Symphony of Flavors**

Meatballs in red sauce, an iconic culinary creation that has tantalized taste buds for generations. This classic dish, often associated with Italian cuisine, features tender, savory meatballs swimming in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The meatballs, crafted from a blend of ground beef, pork, or veal, are seasoned to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices, then carefully browned to create a crispy exterior and a juicy, succulent interior. The red sauce, a symphony of flavors, is simmered to perfection, combining the vibrant acidity of tomatoes with the sweetness of onions, the earthiness of garlic, and the subtle warmth of Italian herbs. Together, the meatballs and red sauce create a harmonious union, delivering a satisfying and unforgettable dining experience. This article presents a collection of delectable recipes for meatballs in red sauce, each offering unique variations and culinary insights to suit diverse palates and preferences. From classic Italian recipes passed down through generations to modern interpretations with unexpected twists, these recipes will guide you in creating the perfect meatballs in red sauce that will leave your family and friends craving for more.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

REAL MEATBALLS AND SPAGHETTI



Real Meatballs and Spaghetti image

For homemade Italian comfort, make Ina Garten's Real Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, starring veal, pork and beef.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
1 cup fresh white bread crumbs (4 slices, crusts removed)
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 extra-large egg, beaten
Vegetable oil
Olive oil
1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup good red wine, such as Chianti
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, or plum tomatoes in puree, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
Freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Place the ground meats, both bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, egg, and 3/4 cup warm water in a bowl. Combine very lightly with a fork. Using your hands, lightly form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs. You will have 14 to 16 meatballs.
  • Pour equal amounts of vegetable oil and olive oil into a large (12-inch) skillet to a depth of 1/4-inch. Heat the oil. Very carefully, in batches, place the meatballs in the oil and brown them well on all sides over medium-low heat, turning carefully with a spatula or a fork. This should take about 10 minutes for each batch. Don't crowd the meatballs. Remove the meatballs to a plate covered with paper towels. Discard the oil but don't clean the pan.
  • For the sauce, heat the olive oil in the same pan. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the wine and cook on high heat, scraping up all the brown bits in the pan, until almost all the liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on the lowest heat for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve hot on cooked spaghetti and pass the grated Parmesan.

LAMB MEATBALLS WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER AND FENNEL SAUCE



Lamb Meatballs with Roasted Red Pepper and Fennel Sauce image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 meatballs; about 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon cumin seeds
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 bulb fennel, cored and diced, and 1/4 cup chopped fennel fronds, plus more for garnish
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 pound ground lamb
1/2 teaspoon fennel pollen
1 egg
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese

Steps:

  • Add the cumin seeds to a large, dry saute pan. Turn on the heat to medium-low and toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 5 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder and process until finely ground. Add 2 tablespoons of the extra-virgin olive oil to the same saute pan and turn the heat to medium high. Add half the onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the crushed red pepper. Saute until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add half the minced garlic and stir to combine. Cook until fragrant and softened, 3 minutes, then transfer to a heatproof bowl and set aside to cool. Save the pan to cook the meatballs in later.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to a large, high-sided saute pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the remaining diced onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Saute until translucent, 5 minutes. Add the fennel, bell pepper, the remaining minced garlic, the tomatoes and 1 cup water. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice and season with kosher salt to taste. Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until slightly smooth but there is still some texture.
  • To a large bowl, add the ground lamb, toasted ground cumin, fennel pollen, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, fennel fronds, the sauteed onion and garlic and 1/4 cup water and sprinkle with kosher salt. Mix with your hands to thoroughly combine.
  • Turn the saute pan back on to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Take a small amount of the meatball mixture and cook a tester patty to check for seasoning and adjust the remaining mixture with more salt if necessary.
  • Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop, portion the meatballs and roll into balls. Add to the saute pan and cook, turning occasionally until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the seared meatballs into the red pepper and fennel sauce and simmer until heated through, 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved fennel fronds and goat cheese.

BIG-BATCH MEATBALLS AND RED SAUCE



Big-Batch Meatballs and Red Sauce image

Buy some extra meat and simmer a little extra sauce. Then pack your freezer with dinner that just has to be thawed, reheated and tossed with some pasta.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 to 9 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Two 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
Handful torn fresh basil leaves
Kosher salt
2 slices stale white sandwich bread
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 1/2 pounds ground pork
1 cup grated Parmesan
2 large eggs, beaten
1 small onion, grated
1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely grated
Kosher salt
Large pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Olive oil, for the baking sheets

Steps:

  • For the sauce: Swirl the oil and garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the garlic is just lightly browned and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 1 cup water, and bring to a high simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the basil and 2 teaspoons salt and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
  • For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Tear the bread into very small pieces and put it in a small bowl. Pour the milk over the bread, and let sit until the bread is soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine the bread mixture with the beef, pork, Parmesan, eggs, onions, parsley, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt and red pepper flakes in a large bowl, and thoroughly mix with your hands. Divide the mixture evenly into 36 mounds, and roll each into a ball.
  • Brush 2 rimmed baking sheets generously with oil. Evenly divide the meatballs between the sheets, and roll them around to coat in oil. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, rotating the sheets halfway through if needed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Transfer the meatballs to the warm sauce, and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat. Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely, divide evenly among four 1-quart containers and freeze for up to 1 month.
  • To reheat: Let a container of the meatballs and sauce thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer them to a microwave-safe container, and microwave in 2-minute increments, gently stirring after each, until the meatballs are heated through.

ITALIAN MEATBALL SLIDERS WITH RED SAUCE



Italian Meatball Sliders with Red Sauce image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 sliders

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
One 28-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
8 ounces ground beef
8 ounces ground pork
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced
8 soft Hawaiian buns
8 leaves fresh basil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the tomato sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes, basil, thyme, 1 cup water, and some salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep warm.
  • For the meatballs: Soak the panko in the milk for 10 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, some salt and pepper and the soaked panko. Mix well to combine; do not overwork. Form into eight 2-inch balls.
  • Set a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Remove the thyme sprigs from the tomato sauce; add the meatballs to the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the meatballs, then top them with slices of mozzarella. Transfer to the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • To assemble the sliders, load one meatball onto each bun. Top with a basil leaf and secure the bun top with a bamboo skewer. Serve on a large platter with extra sauce on the side.

OLD-FASHIONED MEATBALLS IN RED SAUCE



Old-Fashioned Meatballs in Red Sauce image

Provided by Leslie Revsin

Categories     Beef     Cheese     Egg     Pasta     Tomato     Bake     Kid-Friendly     Sausage     Gourmet     Small Plates

Yield Makes twelve 2 1/2-inch meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound ground round (15 percent fat)
1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 3/4 cups canned crushed tomatoes in heavy purée

Steps:

  • Remove ground round and sausage from refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking, if possible. Place bread crumbs in large bowl and stir in 1/3 cup water. When absorbed, blend together with eggs, garlic, 1/4 cup grated Romano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Add meats to bread crumb mixture and combine well with fork. Form into 12 even balls. Lay in 1 layer in 8 x 14-inch baking dish so each is separated by about 1 inch.
  • Stir 1/4 cup water into crushed tomatoes and season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Pour tomatoes over and around meatballs. Sprinkle tops with remaining 1 1/3 tablespoons grated Romano. Bake in center of oven until meatballs are just cooked through, about 18 minutes. Serve hot.

RED SAUCE & MEATBALLS



Red Sauce & Meatballs image

Spray your hands with cooking spray so meatballs don't stick to your hands.You can make this ahea and refrigerate fr a day or freeze up to one month This recipe feeds up to 10 people.

Provided by KittyKitty

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h25m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 1/2 lbs extra lean ground beef
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 large egg
12 small onions, grated
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
6 garlic cloves, minced & divided
1 tablespoon dried oregano, divided
2 tablespoons dried basil, divided
2 tablespoons dried parsley, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
vegetable oil cooking spray
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup red wine
3 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon sugar
1 (16 ounce) package linguine

Steps:

  • Combine first 6 ingredients, half of monced garlic, 1 tablespoon each of basil and parsley, 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Shape mixture into 32 (1 inch) balls.
  • Place a rack coated with cooking spray in an aluminum foil lined broiler pan. Arrange meatballs on rack.Bake at 400F for 10 minutes or until meatbalss are browned.
  • Saute chopped onion and reaming half of garlic in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add red wine, tomatoes, sugar, and reamining, basil, parsley, and oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and add meatballs. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and oil. Serve tomato sauce & meatballs over linguine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 458.3, Fat 6.5, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 65.7, Sodium 994.1, Carbohydrate 70, Fiber 7.1, Sugar 15.8, Protein 26.8

ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs image

This is a recipe I got from my mother years ago -- it's great.

Provided by Jeremy

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 2h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg, beaten
¾ cup chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup olive oil
2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 bay leaf
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
¾ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and beaten egg. Mix well and form into 12 balls. Store, covered, in refrigerator until needed.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is translucent. Stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar and bay leaf. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 90 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, basil, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and meatballs and simmer 30 minutes more. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.6 calories, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 77.4 mg, Fat 21.2 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 1492.5 mg, Sugar 11.1 g

EASY SWEDISH MEATBALL SAUCE



Easy Swedish Meatball Sauce image

A quick but very tasty sauce to add to already prepared frozen meatballs. This recipe makes a generous amount of sauce for a 1/2 package (20 oz) of meatballs. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

Provided by Mary B

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Scandinavian

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup beef stock
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ (20 ounce) package frozen cooked meatballs, thawed

Steps:

  • Whisk together the beef stock, heavy cream, flour, soy sauce, black pepper, and rosemary in a large saucepan until smooth. Cook and stir over low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the meatballs, and continue cooking until meatballs are heated through, about 5 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 392.9 calories, Carbohydrate 12.2 g, Cholesterol 140.4 mg, Fat 31.5 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, Sodium 357.8 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

Tips:

  • For a flavorful meatball, choose a combination of meats with different fat contents, such as ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal.
  • Soak the bread in milk or water before adding it to the meatball mixture. This will help to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
  • Grate the onion instead of chopping it. This will help to distribute the onion's flavor more evenly throughout the meatballs.
  • Use fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, and oregano, to add flavor to the meatballs.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  • Brown the meatballs in a hot skillet before adding them to the sauce. This will help to seal in the flavor and prevent the meatballs from falling apart.
  • Use a good quality tomato sauce. A homemade sauce is always best, but you can also use a store-bought sauce if you're short on time.
  • Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion:

Meatballs in red sauce is a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, and it can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make the best meatballs in red sauce that you've ever tasted.

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