Braised Italian Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender homemade Italian meatballs simmered in a fragrant tomato gravy with a hint of Italian herbs, delivering a comforting and hearty meal. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, soak 1/2 cup breadcrumbs in 1/4 cup milk for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently until combined.
  3. Step 3: Form the mixture into 20 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 20 meatballs in batches and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer gently for 25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Serve meatballs hot with the tomato gravy over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Italian Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Italian Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Italian Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Italian Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Italian Meatballs in Spiced Tomato Gravy?

Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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