Description

This Juicy Homestyle Beef Meatball Dinner brings the comforting flavors of classic home cooking right to your table. Featuring tender, flavorful beef meatballs baked and then simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy family meal. Served over pasta or rice and topped with Parmesan cheese, it delivers a satisfying taste of tradition with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 lb Ground beef (Use 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meatballs.)
1 cup Breadcrumbs (Helps bind the meatballs.)
1 Egg (Acts as a natural glue.)
1 medium Onion, finely chopped (Adds sweetness.)
2 cloves Garlic, minced (Brings warmth to the flavor.)
1 tablespoon Parsley, chopped (Freshens up the mixture.)
1 teaspoon Salt (Essential seasoning.)
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (Essential seasoning.)

Tomato Sauce

28 oz Crushed tomatoes (Rich base for the sauce.)
2 tablespoons Olive oil (For sautéing.)
1 medium Onion, diced (Sweetens the sauce.)
2 cloves Garlic, minced (Infuses sauce with flavor.)
1 teaspoon Dried oregano (Earthy flavor.)
1 teaspoon Salt (To season just right.)
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (To season just right.)
1 teaspoon Sugar (Optional to balance acidity.)

To Serve

4 servings Cooked pasta or rice (Perfect for soaking up sauce.)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (Adds a nutty finish.)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
Shape meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch diameter balls and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Sear meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides, approximately 5 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar to balance acidity.
Simmer with meatballs: Nestle the seared meatballs into the tomato sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and meatballs to cook through.
Serve: Plate the cooked pasta or rice, spoon the meatballs and rich tomato sauce over the top, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired for garnish.

Notes

Using 80/20 ground beef is key for juicy meatballs due to its fat content.
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
Simmering the meatballs in the sauce after searing enhances their flavor and keeps them moist.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: beef meatballs, homestyle meatballs, meatball dinner, tomato sauce meatballs, easy family dinner, classic meatballs, baked meatballs, meatballs with pasta