Peppers and Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-19 · Updated 2026-05-19

Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce with sautéed bell peppers and garlic. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes blends ground beef, bread crumbs, large egg into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 lb ground beef
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 large, thinly sliced red bell pepper
• 1 large, thinly sliced green bell pepper
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1 lb ground beef, 1/3 cup bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until just combined. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large thinly sliced green bell pepper over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until peppers soften and garlic is fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp dried basil to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.