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Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce

Published on June 6, 2017 • Last updated October 15, 2023 by Elizabeth
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The ultimate bowlful of comfort-food pasta and meatballs!

Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce

A bowlful of spaghetti and meatballs has to be one of the ultimate comfort foods, no? The only thing better, I think, is a plate of linguine and meatballs. I prefer the thick ribbons of linguine over spaghetti to hold the rich tomato sauce in this recipe, cooked al dente, of course, the way the Italians do.

Allegedly.

I’ve never actually eaten real Italian-style spaghetti and meatballs before as I’ve never really been to Italy to try it for myself. Yet! I did visit Sardinia once on a whirlwind press trip about 14 years ago, but no pasta and meatballs were served.

I plan to remedy this vast omission in my culinary sphere later on this month when I visit Italy, courtesy of Garda Trentino, the best bike resort in Italy. I will report back my findings after the trip!

I am so silly excited!

Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce

I’ve been invited by Garda Trentino to experience some of the outdoor adventures (mostly mountain biking) and food at Lake Garda, so I’ve upped my cycle training here at home so I’ll feel fit enough for the experience. The only reason I’m blogging this recipe today is that it’s too windy and rainy right now to go for a bike ride.

So yes, these Italian-style meatballs taste really rather fantastic, and they’re quite therapeutic to make too, I feel, with all the chopping and rolling, frying and gentle simmering of the sauce.

I use tins of whole Italian plum tomatoes to make my sauce, leaving them to cook over a low heat until they’re thick. The addition of a basil-infused olive oil (straight from Italy!) transforms the mixture into a gorgeous, aromatic, glossy sauce, perfect for the meatballs.

Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce

To serve, plenty of Grana Padano cheese and some freshly baked Italian ciabatta dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The ultimate comfort food recipe that my whole family loves. Sometimes, when I make the sauce, I use a chilli-infused olive oil for an extra zingy kick, and occasionally I replace the plum tomatoes with a jar of passata for a quick and easy sauce.

Honestly, it’s so good. Try it!

Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce

Click here to find out how to make meatballs that won’t fall apart. Do you have a special way you make your pasta and meatballs? Any tips and tricks you want to share? What’s your secret ingredient? Let me know in the comments!

Meanwhile, if you want to keep up to date on what I’m doing (I’m going on a few grand adventures this summer!) follow me on Instagram.

Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce

Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce

A simple midweek dinner recipe sure to please the whole family!
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Print Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Elizabeth

Ingredients

for the meatballs

  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for frying
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium free-range egg beaten lightly
  • 500 grams Aberdeen Angus steak mince or other lean beef mince

for the rich tomato sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 400 gram tinned plum tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp basil-infused olive oil I use Pomora
  • Shetland sea salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

to serve

  • Grana Padano cheese

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This recipe card may contain affiliate ingredient and equipment links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Instructions 

  • First, get the rich tomato sauce on. Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan and gently fry the garlic and oregano for a minute or so without browning the garlic.
  • Add the plum tomatoes and reduce the heat to medium-low. Leave the sauce to simmer while you prepare the meatballs.
  • To prepare the meatballs, heat olive oil in a saute pan over a medium-high heat and gently saute the onions and garlic together until they begin to soften. Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for a further minute. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients along with the cooled onion mixture.
  • Using your hands, work the meat so that it becomes well combined. Form into small one inch diameter meatballs – you’ll make around 40 and set aside on a plate.
  • Add more olive oil to the same saute pan (don’t worry about cleaning it first) and gently brown the meatballs over a medium-high heat on all sides, taking care when turning them to not break them up. You’ll need to do this in two batches. Add the first batch to the tomato sauce while you cook the second batch.
  • When the tomato sauce is thick and reduced (take care not to break up the whole tomatoes while stirring) remove from the heat and stir in the basil-infused olive oil.
  • Serve the meatballs with linguine or spaghett and a generous sprinkle of Grana Padano cheese.

Italian-Style Meatballs in a Rich Tomato SauceOTHER MEATBALL RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Grandma Ann’s Sweet n’ Sour Meatballs
Mamta Gupta’s Keema Meatball Curry
Classic Belgian Meatball Recipe
Spaghetti & Beanballs (Veggie)
Courgetti & Beetballs (Veggie)
Turkey & Chorizo Meatballs
Mexican-Spiced Cauliflower Quinoa Meatballs (Veggie)
Tuna Meatballs with Courgetti & Spaghetti
Turkey & Leek Meatballs with Tagliatelle
Spicy Njuda Meatballs
Artichoke & Spinach Polpette with Easy Marinara Sauce
Light Italian Spaghetti & Meatballs

SHOP THIS POST

Basil Infused Olive Oil from Pomora
Due Vittorie Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Ceramic Dipping Dish

The above link shown in orange is an Amazon affiliate link. If you click through and make any subsequent purchase within the next 24 hours we will earn a small commission and you will be directly helping to support our family. x

Category: Beef, Hoof & Feather, RecipeTag: Italian food, meatball recipes, meatballs

About Elizabeth

Solivagant. Foodie. Calls Shetland home.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jean

    January 7, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    SOrry, would not award any stars. My husband and I really did not like them

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 8, 2020 at 7:22 am

      I’m really sorry to hear that – do let me know why? Admittedly it is more of a children’s recipe, tailored to my kids’ less spicy tastes. What could I do to improve the recipe?

      Reply
  2. Sheila

    July 28, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    I believe nothing would beat the original Italian style pasta with meatballs.
    Secret ingredient? I would love to add mushrooms.

    Reply
  3. Whitney Abigail

    June 18, 2017 at 10:00 am

    Yum, those meatballs look so juicy. I’ve never made meatballs before just usually use mince. Will try this out x

    Reply
  4. Musings of a tired mummy...zzz...

    June 14, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    I’m a vegetarian but my kids and partner like meatballs. I usually add extra veg to the sauce which makes it less authentic 🙂

    Reply
  5. Fashion and Style Police

    June 14, 2017 at 10:21 am

    This recipe looks so delicious. I will try it.

    Reply
  6. Debitcardoffers

    June 10, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Looks awesome.

    Reply
  7. Esthy

    June 10, 2017 at 9:07 am

    This looks really yummy and tasty. I love spaghetti meat balls. Wow! Your images are stunning. It just makes me want to eat this right now.

    Reply
  8. Brian

    June 8, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    Wow, those look really terrific! I can’t wait it to eat them. Unfortunately I don’t have much time today and tomorrow, but I will have to make them. I love Italian food.

    Reply
  9. Michelle Paige

    June 8, 2017 at 5:49 am

    This looks delicious! I’m not much of a cook but my boyfriend would love to make this and I’d definitely love to eat it!

    Reply
  10. Lindsey London Mumma

    June 7, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    I love meatballs, and been craving it, so thanks for that lo! Kind of want to lick the screen.

    Reply
  11. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry

    June 7, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    Spaghetti and meatballs are just the perfect comfort food. Nice addition of the smoked paprika too

    Reply
  12. Ana De- Jesus

    June 7, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    I just brought some swedish quorn meatballs so this recipe would be ideal for me to make tonight as I have all the ingredients needed. Thank you for the inspiration x

    Reply
  13. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    June 7, 2017 at 11:00 am

    Mm You’d be crazy to pass up a cozy plate of spaghetti and meatballs!

    Reply
  14. Dannii

    June 7, 2017 at 10:46 am

    It really is the ultimate comfort food isn’t it. What I love is that it is comforting and not really unhealthy either. Great post workout food.

    Reply
  15. Megan

    June 7, 2017 at 3:36 am

    I love love italian food! I married into an Italian family so pasta is on the menu a lot!

    Reply
  16. Angela

    June 6, 2017 at 11:35 pm

    Meatballs are my weakness – this looks so good! I am going to have to try this recipe.

    Reply
  17. The Food Hunter

    June 6, 2017 at 11:02 pm

    This is pure comfort food for me.

    Reply
  18. Newcastle Family Life

    June 6, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    Oh my gosh these look amazing! My partner would love these as he adores Italian meatballs. Your photo styling is incredible, lovely photos x

    Reply
  19. Nadia

    June 6, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    Mmm looks so delicious! One of my top comfort foods. I also prefer linguine. I just like the thicker strands 😀

    Reply
  20. Janice

    June 6, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Oh that looks so good, a lovely rich sauce you really can’t beat it!

    Reply
  21. Amber Myers

    June 6, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    Mmm, I love pasta. I must make this! It looks so delicious. I haven’t made meatballs in a while.

    Reply
  22. Cliona

    June 6, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    Yummy! I don’t often eat red meat but the odd time I crave something like this. I make pasta a lot and this sounds like a lovely filling and nourishing meal.

    Reply
  23. Mandee Pogue

    June 6, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    First of all your photos are stunning! And I have to say that this recipe reminds my of my Nona’s cooking. The one thing that intrigued me was the smoked paprika in the meatballs. I have never seen that, but I am definitely going to give it a try! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  24. The Culinary Jumble

    June 6, 2017 at 2:58 pm

    Oh they look delicious, and you are right, the perfect comfort food! However, as I live in Sweden, I’ve never considered meatballs to be any other than Swedish! haha

    Reply
  25. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine

    June 6, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    This dish looks perfect for a cold day. And enjoy your trip to Italy! I’ve never been either, but it’s at the top of my list.

    Reply
  26. Kellie@foodtoglow

    June 6, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    I’ve not had a proper meal today and this post is making me crave pasta! Making meatballs, and the artichoke and spinach balls that you kindly linked to, is so meditative. Isn’t it? I bet you don’t have any better than this on your trip. Which sounds fantastic by the way!

    Reply
  27. Cardiff Mummy Says - Cathryn

    June 6, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    Ooh, your upcoming trip to Italy sounds lovely. I don’t eat but my hubby loves meatballs!

    Reply
    • Cardiff Mummy Says - Cathryn

      June 6, 2017 at 2:39 pm

      That should have said I don’t eat meat!!

      Reply
  28. GiGi Eats

    June 6, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    Honestly, I am officially craving RED MEAT and think I need to have some today!

    Reply
  29. robin rue

    June 6, 2017 at 10:41 am

    I grew up in a big Italian family, so meatballs have been a staple of my life since the beginning. We have them ALL the time 🙂

    Reply
  30. Camilla Hawkins

    June 6, 2017 at 9:49 am

    Lush Elizabeth and loving the addition of smoked Paprika! Loving the styling too:-) Thanks for including my Turkey & Chorizo Meatballs?-)

    Reply

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Cooking up a storm at the edge of the world

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