Sicilian Meatballs in Sauce is a classic Italian meatball recipe that brings the rich, savory flavors of Sicily to your table. With its roots deeply embedded in the diverse culinary traditions of Italy, this dish is a delicious fusion of authentic Sicilian flavors and the beloved Italian-American cuisine. Perfect for a family dinner or as a comforting addition to your repertoire of comfort food recipes, these oven-baked meatballs are paired with a homemade marinara sauce that is both fragrant and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact yet not overly tight to maintain tenderness.
Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, and salt and pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the simmering marinara sauce. Let them cook for an additional 10 minutes in the sauce to absorb its flavors. Serve the Sicilian Meatballs in Sauce hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
