Braised Meatballs in Rich Tomato Gravy
Tender homemade meatballs slowly braised in a thick, flavorful tomato gravy, perfect for serving over pasta or crusty bread. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes pairs pound ground beef, pound ground pork, breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small finely chopped onion
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup whole milk, 1 large beaten egg, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Mix gently until combined but not overworked.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20 total. Set aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for 5 minutes total without crowding the pan. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
- Step 5: Pour in 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil into the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 30 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Serve meatballs hot, spooned with the tomato gravy over pasta or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Meatballs in Rich Tomato Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Meatballs in Rich 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 pound ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Meatballs in Rich 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 Meatballs in Rich Tomato Gravy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Meatballs in Rich 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.
