A quick and easy for Italian meatballs served with a smoky tomato sauce.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef, freezer friendly, game day, make ahead, pork
Servings: 25-30 meatballs
Ingredients
For The Meatballs:
1.5lb.ground beef or pork
1/2cupbreadcrumbs
1/2cupfinely-diced white onion
1/4cupfreshly-grated Parmesan cheese
1/2tsp.dried thyme
1/4tsp.dried oregano
1/4tsp.salt
1/4tsp.black pepper
4clovesgarlicminced
2eggs
For The Sauce:
1(28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes (I prefer fire-roasted)
1tsp.smoked paprika
chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Combine the beef (or pork), breadcrumbs, onion, Parmesan, garlic, eggs, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Use a potato masher or your hands to combine the mixture until evenly-mixed.
Use a small scoop or a spoon to measure out a rounded tablespoon-full of the mixture, and then roll it into a ball. Set aside. Repeat with the remainder of the mixture and set aside.
To Make On The Stovetop:
Meanwhile, heat the crushed tomatoes in a large, deep sauté pan (or stockpot) over medium-high heat until simmering. Stir in the smoked paprika, season with salt and pepper, and reduce heat to medium-low. Add the meatballs in a single layer, coating with the sauce. Cover and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through, turning the meatballs once or twice. Remove and set on a serving plate, ladling any of the extra sauce on top of the meatballs. Serve with bamboo forks or toothpicks if desired.
To Make In A Slow Cooker:
Stir together the crushed tomatoes and smoked paprika in the bowl of the slow cooker . Add the meatballs in a single layer, coating with the sauce. Cover and cook on low until meatballs are tender, about 4-6 hours.