Nothing beats the classic comfort food combination of Italian meatballs and tomato sauce. This simple yet hearty dish brings a flavor punch that will have your whole family clamoring for seconds. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to fit the bill! Plus, with minimal ingredients and effort involved in its preparation, it’ll be on your table in no time flat. Read on to learn how to make these scrumptious Italian meatballs with amazing tomato sauce!
Recipe
Serves 4
Tomato sauce:
2 tbsp. olive oil
5.6 oz. shallots, diced
4 garlic cloves
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
2x 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
10 basil leaves, torn
Meatballs:
2 oz. gluten free breadcrumbs
2 fl oz. almond milk
2 tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp. dried oregano
¾ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
2 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 egg
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 tsp. olive oil
How to Prepare
To make the tomato sauce, place a pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the shallots for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then add the garlic and sauté for a further minute. Add the red pepper flakes, oregano, canned tomatoes and tomato puree, and season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to reduce. Stir in the basil leaves.
To make the meatballs, mix the breadcrumbs with the almond milk, then add the parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, egg, and Dijon mustard, stir to combine. Now mix in the ground beef and using your hands roll the mixture into 16 even-sized meatballs.
Add the olive oil to a non-stick skillet and place over medium-high heat. Cooking in batches, add the meatballs to the skillet and sauté until all sides are browned. Place the meatballs in tomato sauce and simmer for 8 minutes.
This recipe makes 16 meatballs, allowing 4 meatballs per serving.
Serving suggestions: Gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or roasted spaghetti squash
