These Awesome Sauce Meatballs are a tasty treat that everyone loves! Made with juicy ground meat and a special sauce that’s simply out of this world, they’re perfect for dinner or a snack.
Making these meatballs is a blast! I often whip these up for family gatherings, and they disappear fast! Who can resist a good meatball? 🍝
What I appreciate most is how easy they are to prepare. Just mix, roll, and bake! They’ll be on your table in no time, filling your home with a yummy smell!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using a mix of beef and pork for better flavor and moisture. If you prefer lean meat, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work great, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. They still hold the mixture together well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings a lovely flavor to the meatballs. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano can be a good substitute for a sharper taste.
Fresh Parsley: While I love fresh parsley for its bright flavor, dried parsley can be used if that’s all you have on hand. Just use about one tablespoon instead!
Tomato Sauce: For the sauce, store-bought marinara is convenient. You can make a homemade version or use crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning if you’re feeling adventurous.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shaped Meatballs?
Forming the meatballs is a key step that affects cooking and texture. To get nice, evenly shaped meatballs, follow these simple steps:
- Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients; avoid over-mixing to keep them tender.
- Wet your hands lightly before shaping to prevent sticking and create even balls.
- Roll them gently, aiming for a size of about 1½ inches. Consistent sizes ensure even cooking.
- Place them on a tray as you shape, leaving a little space between each for even searing.
How Do I Simmer the Meatballs Without Overcooking?
Simmering in the sauce is essential for juicy meatballs. Here’s how to master it:
- After browning the meatballs, lower the heat before adding to the sauce to prevent toughening.
- Make sure the sauce is simmering gently when you add them—too much boil can break them apart.
- Cover the skillet to retain moisture while letting them cook for 15-20 minutes. This helps them absorb flavor.
- Check internal temperature; they should be at least 165°F (74°C) when done.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have flavorful meatballs that are perfect for sharing (or enjoying solo!).
Awesome Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking meatballs)
For the Awesome Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time, followed by 20 minutes of cooking. In just about 50 minutes, you’ll have delicious meatballs ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, and basil. Use your hands to gently mix everything together, but be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You can place them on a tray or plate as you go, which makes it easy to cook them later.
3. Cook Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Sear them on all sides until they’re nicely browned—this should take about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Awesome Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce:
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them to make sure they are mostly covered. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through and absorb all the amazing flavors from the sauce.
6. Serve:
Once cooked, garnish your meatballs with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. They pair beautifully with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy your Awesome Sauce Meatballs, a comforting and hearty dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef or pork. Just keep in mind that it can be a bit drier, so you may want to add a little extra milk or an additional egg to keep the meatballs moist.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just ensure they’re cooled completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps enhance their flavors. Just form the meatballs, cover them, and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
What Should I Serve with These Meatballs?
These Awesome Sauce Meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or even in a sub sandwich. You can also serve them with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
