Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
When I have leftover cooked meat, I often use it to make meatballs. These can be served on their own with a salad, or with barbecue sauce and mashed potatoes. Here, they're topped with a quick-cooking tomato sauce and green olives.
When I have leftover cooked meat, I often use it to make meatballs. These can be served on their own with a salad, or with barbecue sauce and mashed potatoes. Here, they're topped with a quick-cooking tomato sauce and green olives.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- vegetable oil for frying
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup minced celery
- 12 ounces leftover roast beef veal or pork, coarsely chopped
- one 28-ounce can diced tomatoes with their liquid
- 1/3 cup pitted green olives coarsely chopped
- Carbohydrate 13.9159106253579 g
- Cholesterol 793.94166666501 mg
- Fat 36.5862927234108 g
- Fiber 1.89924480895084 g
- Protein 25.8760677073513 g
- Saturated Fat 7.42962906935278 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (401g)
- Sodium 4139.88451065059 mg
- Sugar 12.0166658164071 g
- Trans Fat 3.48221829744396 g
- Calories 482 calories
Step-by-step
- Put the meat in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and salt.
- Add the chopped meat, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, pepper and eggs and mix with your hands until thoroughly blended.
- Form the mixture into 16 meatballs and flatten slightly.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil until shimmering.
- Add the meatballs and cook over high heat until browned on the bottom.
- Turn the meatballs, reduce the heat to moderate and cook until browned on the second side, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer the meatballs to a large plate.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil.
- Add the garlic, onion, thyme and oregano and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, cover and cook over moderate heat for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the sauce until slightly chunky; alternatively, puree the sauce in a food processor and return the sauce to the saucepan.
- In a small saucepan, cover the olives with water and bring to a boil over high heat; drain well.
- Add the olives to the tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer.
- Add the meatballs, simmer until heated through and serve.
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce: A Simple Weeknight Meal
As a busy working mom, time is a precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious – a culinary trifecta that can sometimes feel impossible to achieve. That’s why I’ve fallen head over heels for this recipe for meatballs with tomato sauce. It’s the perfect solution for those weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It's incredibly versatile! I often adapt it based on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, other times I’ll throw in some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and texture.
The secret to truly amazing meatballs, in my opinion, lies in the quality of the meat. I prefer to use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer, more flavorful result. But the real star of the show is undoubtedly the tomato sauce. I’ve experimented with different techniques, from slow-simmering to quick-cooking methods, and have discovered that a quick simmer yields a wonderfully fresh and vibrant sauce that perfectly complements the meatballs. The addition of green olives provides a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. This recipe has become a true staple in our household, a weeknight warrior that consistently delivers on taste and convenience. The kids love it, and let’s face it, that’s the ultimate test for any recipe!
Beyond the Basics: This simple meatball recipe is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the flavor profile to your liking. For example, adding a touch of fennel seed can add an unexpected warmth and complexity, while a dash of Worcestershire sauce will bring a savory depth. The possibilities are truly endless! You can also get creative with the sauce. Adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar will add an elegant touch, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Serving Suggestions: While the meatballs are delicious on their own, I often serve them over a bed of pasta, alongside a simple green salad, or nestled in crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal. They also make a fantastic addition to sandwiches and wraps, offering a delicious twist on a classic lunch option. And if you have leftover meatballs, don’t despair! They reheat beautifully and can be transformed into a quick and easy lunch the next day. Simply add them to a bowl of soup or toss them with some pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal. This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, home-cooked meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little creativity and a few simple ingredients, you can create a culinary masterpiece that your family will cherish for years to come. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed by its simplicity and flavor!
Beyond the Kitchen Table: While this recipe is a mainstay in my kitchen, I’ve found that its versatility makes it an excellent option for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or need a quick and easy meal after a long day at the office, these meatballs consistently deliver. I've even packed them on camping trips, cooking them over a campfire for a unique outdoor dining experience. The adaptability of the recipe truly shines when you consider its potential for variation. Different meats can be substituted based on preference or availability, allowing you to easily personalize this dish to suit any dietary needs or preferences.
From Simple Beginnings to Culinary Adventures: The initial inspiration for this recipe came from a simple desire for a weeknight dinner that was both satisfying and easy to prepare. What began as a quick and easy meal has transformed into a cherished family favorite, often requested by my children. The joy of creating something delicious and nourishing for those you love is a truly rewarding experience, and this recipe embodies that sentiment perfectly. The simple act of cooking, of nurturing others through food, is a fundamental aspect of life. This recipe allows me to connect with my family on a deeper level, sharing a meal that we all enjoy and that represents our shared experiences and memories.
