Meat Balls in Tomato Gravy

Italian Tomato Gravy Recipe with Ground Beef and Spices

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meatballs in tomato gravy is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of juicy meatballs and rich tomato gravy is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Meatballs in tomato gravy has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Italy, where meatballs, or "polpette," were often served with tomato sauce. Over time, the recipe spread to other countries and evolved to include different variations and seasonings.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
1 egg
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of chili powder
0.25 cup of catsup
0.5 cup of fine cracker crumbs
1 can of tomato soup
2 cups of water
1 tsp of chili powder
0.25 tsp of salt
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 – 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 cup of celery, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 beef bouillon cube

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together beef, egg, 0.5 tsp of salt, 0.5 tsp of chili powder, catsup, and cracker crumbs.
Shape the mixture into balls, approximately the size of a walnut.
Set the meatballs aside while preparing the gravy.
In an ovenproof dutch oven, combine the remaining ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling tomato gravy and cook for 3 minutes.
Cover the dutch oven and transfer it to the oven.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for at least 1 hour.
Serve the meatballs over spaghetti.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Add Italian seasoning or herbs like oregano and basil to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly to ensure that they hold together well.

- Browning the meatballs before adding them to the tomato gravy can add extra flavor to the dish.

- Adjust the seasonings in the tomato gravy to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatballs in tomato gravy over spaghetti or with a side of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before adding them to the tomato gravy can enhance the flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use breadcrumbs instead of cracker crumbs in the meatball mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the meatballs in tomato gravy in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the meatballs in tomato gravy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of meatballs in tomato gravy contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of meatballs in tomato gravy contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of meatballs in tomato gravy contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of meatballs in tomato gravy contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meatballs in tomato gravy are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and gluten from the cracker crumbs.

Summary

Meatballs in tomato gravy are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Meatballs in tomato gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With a rich tomato gravy and juicy meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known far and wide for her incredible cooking skills. She could turn the simplest ingredients into the most delicious meals, and her meatballs in tomato gravy were a particular favorite among our family and friends.

I remember one sunny afternoon, when Nonna Maria invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare the meatballs. She had a twinkle in her eye as she showed me how to mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and a secret blend of herbs and spices. I watched in awe as she expertly rolled the mixture into perfect little balls, each one filled with love and tradition.

As the meatballs sizzled in the pan, the aroma of garlic and onions filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. Nonna Maria then added a rich tomato sauce that she had simmered for hours, infusing it with the flavors of fresh basil and oregano. The sound of the sauce bubbling away on the stove was like music to my ears, a symphony of flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

I watched as Nonna Maria carefully placed each meatball into the sauce, making sure they were all coated evenly. She then covered the pan and let them simmer for what seemed like an eternity, the tantalizing scent wafting through the kitchen and out into the garden.

Finally, it was time to taste the fruits of our labor. Nonna Maria served up a generous portion of meatballs and gravy over a bed of steaming polenta, a traditional Italian cornmeal dish. The first bite was like a revelation, the tender meatballs melting in my mouth and the savory tomato gravy coating my taste buds in pure bliss.

I knew then and there that this recipe was something special, something that I would carry with me for the rest of my life. Nonna Maria had passed down her knowledge and passion for cooking to me, and I was determined to do the same for future generations.

Over the years, I have made Nonna Maria's meatballs in tomato gravy countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of good food and great memories.

As I sit here now, in my cozy kitchen surrounded by the smells of garlic and tomatoes, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the joy this recipe has brought into my life. It is a reminder of where I come from, of the strong women who have shaped me into the cook and person I am today.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a taste of Italy, why not give Nonna Maria's meatballs in tomato gravy a try? I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass on this delicious recipe to your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions that will last a lifetime. Buon appetito!