sauce for meatballs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sauce for meatballs recipe

I am so excited to share this sauce for meatballs recipe with you all. I have been making this recipe for years and it never fails to impress my family and friends.

The combination of flavors in this sauce is just right – it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and has a depth of flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly. I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – you can serve it with meatballs, as a dip, or even as a sauce for pasta or rice.

My kids love helping me make this recipe, and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) The best part about this recipe is that it’s healthy and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

I’ve served this sauce at family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always been a hit. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and letting the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

This sauce is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and easy meal that can be made in no time. I’ve also found that this sauce freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.

Classic Meatball Sauce

4.9 from 1616 votes

This rich and flavorful tomato sauce is perfect for serving over meatballs. It’s easy to make and pairs well with pasta or polenta.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
4Pour in red wine and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
5Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
6Stir well to combine.
7Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
9Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving over meatballs.
11The sauce should have a rich, deep red color and a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste. You can also use fresh herbs if available.

Watch Video Of How Classic Meatball Sauce Works

This sauce for meatballs recipe is a staple in our household – we make it at least once a week! It’s so easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and spices.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your next party. My kids love helping me make this recipe and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

The best part about this recipe is that it’s healthy and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy families like mine.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball Sauce

Q: What type of meatballs should I use with this sauce?

A: You can use any type of meatballs you like with this sauce – beef, pork, turkey, or even vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh work great. Just make sure they’re cooked through before serving.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What if I don’t have any tomato paste on hand?

A: You can omit the tomato paste if you don’t have any on hand, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. Alternatively, you can substitute with an equal amount of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Q: Can I use this sauce as a dip?

A: Yes, this sauce makes a delicious dip for vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers. Simply serve chilled or at room temperature.

Q: How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?

A: This sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

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