Simmered Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Gravy

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

Hand-rolled Italian meatballs gently simmered in a thick, savory tomato and herb gravy, perfect for serving over pasta or crusty bread. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 60 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 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 large beaten egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20 total. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 20 meatballs, cooking in batches if needed, browning on all sides for 5-6 minutes. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and the tomato gravy thickens.
  6. Step 6: Serve meatballs hot with the tomato gravy spooned over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Simmered Italian 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 Simmered Italian 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 Simmered Italian 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 Simmered Italian 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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