Hatice's Recipe: Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These tiny meatballs, which always hold a special place among meat dishes, will be cooked in a simmering tomato sauce. Watching them will surely take away all the day's fatigue. Perhaps today you'll watch them sizzling in a pan on the stovetop, or perhaps tomorrow you'll surprise your family by grating some cheese on top and transforming this delicious dish into an oven-baked meatball recipe with tomato sauce. The choice is yours, but in any case, this tomato sauce meatball recipe will be the most delicious answer to the question, "What should I cook today?" So, let's head to the kitchen.

For the meatballs in the Tomato Sauce Meatball Recipe:

• 400 grams of minced meat
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 dry onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper
• 1 pinch of cumin
• 1 pinch of pepper

For the sauce of the meatballs with tomato sauce:

• 2 cups of tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon of red pepper paste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tea glass of water
• 1 pinch of black pepper
• 1 pinch of salt

To Fry the Meatballs for Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

The Secret to Perfect Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you have time, let the meatballs you've kneaded rest in the refrigerator for about an hour.

How to Make Meatballs with Tomato Sauce?

• For the meatballs in tomato sauce, place 400 grams of ground meat in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 1 grated onion, 1 grated garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and a pinch each of cumin, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt, and knead well.
• Take small, marble-sized pieces from the meatball mixture and roll them into balls. If you have time, let the meatballs rest in the refrigerator for about an hour.
• Place a large pan on the stove and heat it. Add about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Place the prepared meatballs in the pan and cook, turning them frequently, until they release and absorb their own fat and juices. Remove the meatballs from the pan when they are nicely browned on the outside.
• Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the same pan. Add 2 cloves of grated garlic and sauté lightly. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper paste and continue sautéing. Add 2 cups of tomato sauce, 1 cup of water, a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix.
• Simmer the sauce over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Return the meatballs to the pan and mix them with the sauce.
• Cook for another 1-2 minutes and serve hot.
• The meatballs in tomato sauce are ready. Enjoy your meal.

Cooking Suggestions for Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

• When you place the meatballs in the pan, don't handle them too much and let them brown on the bottom.
• Turn the pan over by gently shaking it.

Serving Suggestions for Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or a few leaves of fresh basil.

How long should I cook meatballs in tomato sauce?

The total cooking time will not exceed 30 minutes.

What should I do to make my meatballs softer?

Let the shaped meatballs rest in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up.

What are the key tips I should pay attention to when preparing meatballs with tomato sauce?

Knead the mixture very well until it reaches a paste-like consistency.

What side dishes should I serve with meatballs in tomato sauce?

• Bulgur pilaf with tomatoes
• Mashed potatoes

Is it better to bake meatballs in the oven or cook them in a pan?

We say cook it in a pan.