Garlic and Herb Meatballs in Rich Tomato Gravy

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

Tender beef meatballs infused with garlic and herbs, simmered in a savory homemade tomato gravy perfect for serving over pasta or crusty bread. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 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. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, making approximately 16 meatballs.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches if necessary and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 cup water to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and the tomato gravy thickens.
  7. Step 7: Serve meatballs hot, spooning the tomato gravy over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Herb Meatballs in Rich 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 Garlic and Herb 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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Herb 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 Garlic and Herb Meatballs in Rich 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 Garlic and Herb 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.

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