Rustic Meatballs

Rustic Meatballs are hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. This version incorporates fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and a hint of garlic, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether served over pasta, with crusty bread, or on their own, these rustic meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner.

Rustic Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh, or use Italian breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes if you prefer)
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the Meatballs:
   • Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning them to brown on all sides. You don’t need to cook them all the way through, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes (with their juice) and stir in the red wine (if using), oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can add a little water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.

3. Add the Meatballs to the Sauce:

1. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce:
   • Carefully return the browned meatballs to the sauce, gently placing them in the tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the meatballs to coat them. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

4. Serve:

• Serve the rustic meatballs hot with the sauce over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to mop up the sauce. You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations:

• For Extra Moisture: If you want extra tender meatballs, you can add a bit of milk or cream to the meatball mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons). This helps keep the meatballs juicy.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when making the sauce.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano or basil on hand, you can substitute them for the dried versions for an even more aromatic flavor.
• Freezing Meatballs: These meatballs freeze well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. You can cook them straight from frozen, but be sure to simmer them in the sauce for a little longer.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the rustic meatballs with spaghetti, pappardelle, or any pasta of your choice.
• Pair them with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a full meal.

These Rustic Meatballs with rich tomato sauce are full of flavor and perfect for a comforting dinner. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a dinner party. Enjoy!