Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large zucchini (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (thawed)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil until browned and cooked through.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken or beef broth.
- Add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the sliced zucchini and diced red bell pepper.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the frozen peas or green beans and cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the simmering tomato sauce and vegetable mixture.
- Let everything cook together for 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
6. Serve:
- Serve the meatballs with vegetables and tomato sauce over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meatballs with vegetables in tomato sauce!
