Juicy Garlic Herb Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Tender, Saucy, Perfect with Crusty Bread

This is comfort food done right.

Golden-browned meatballs, simmered in a rich garlic tomato sauce, finished with fresh chopped parsley and served with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping. It’s cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

This dish works as:

• A hearty appetizer

• A casual dinner

• A pasta topper

• Or just a bowl + bread situation

Let’s cook it properly.

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Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Meatballs

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or beef + pork mix)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 egg

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt & black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground meat

• Breadcrumbs

• Parmesan

• Egg

• Garlic

• Parsley

• Oregano

• Salt and pepper

Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix — that makes meatballs dense instead of tender.

Roll into evenly sized balls (about 1.5 inches wide). You should get around 18–22 meatballs.

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Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add meatballs in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned all around.

They don’t need to cook through yet — they’ll finish in the sauce.

Remove and set aside.

Golden crust = flavor foundation.

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Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it — that’s flavor), add olive oil if needed.

Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 4–5 minutes).

Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.

Pour in crushed tomatoes. Add basil, sugar (if needed), salt, and pepper.

Let simmer gently for 8–10 minutes.

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Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs

Return browned meatballs to the sauce.

Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the meatballs beautifully.

If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

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Step 5: Finish & Serve

Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve hot with:

• Toasted crusty bread

• Spaghetti

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Or rice

And don’t skip the bread. That sauce is meant to be soaked up.

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Flavor & Texture Breakdown

• Meatballs = juicy, tender, garlicky

• Sauce = rich, slightly sweet, herb-infused

• Parmesan = savory depth

• Parsley = fresh finish

Every bite gives warmth and comfort.

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Make It Next-Level

• Add chili flakes for heat

• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce

• Use a beef + pork mixture for richer flavor

• Top with melted mozzarella before serving

• Add fresh basil at the end

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Storage Tips

• Store in airtight container up to 3 days.

• Flavors deepen the next day.

• Freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water.

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Final Thoughts

Garlic Herb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is classic comfort food that never disappoints.

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Deeply satisfying.

Tender meatballs + rich sauce + crusty bread = unbeatable combo.

Cozy bowl energy activated.