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Delicious Italian Freezer Meatballs Recipe Easy Perfect Tomato Sauce

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A comforting and easy-to-make recipe for Italian freezer meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Olive oil for frying
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, whole milk, grated Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until meatballs reach 160°F internal temperature and sauce thickens.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve hot with spaghetti, polenta, or crusty bread.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs before simmering to lock in juices. Freeze meatballs in sauce to prevent freezer burn. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crackers. Baking meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes is a lighter alternative to frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatballs, freezer meatballs, tomato sauce, easy dinner, make ahead, comfort food, family recipe

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/delicious-italian-freezer-meatballs-recipe-easy-perfect-tomato-sauce/