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Spanish Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 1 review

This Spanish Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs made from ground beef seasoned with paprika and garlic, simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with onions, garlic, and bay leaf. Perfectly balanced with smoky and savory notes, these meatballs are a comforting dish ideal for a family meal, served with crusty bread or rice.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 Tbsp whole milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato Sauce

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1.5 lbs fresh whole tomatoes, cored and chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, whole milk, minced garlic, egg yolk, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Using your hands, knead the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Form and Chill Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs. Place them on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
  3. Brown Meatballs: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the outsides are nicely browned. Remove the meatballs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Note that the meatballs will not be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan, reduce heat to medium, and add diced onions, minced garlic, and bay leaf. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and fragrant.
  5. Add Paprika and Tomatoes: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon paprika followed by the chopped fresh tomatoes. Return the browned meatballs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
  6. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Reduce heat to low and cover if desired. Let the meatballs simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy while hot.

Notes

  • For best texture, chill meatballs before cooking to help them hold their shape.
  • Use fresh ripe tomatoes for a sweeter, fresher sauce, or substitute canned whole peeled tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
  • Adjust paprika amount to taste; smoked paprika can add a deeper smoky flavor.
  • Serve with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Ensure meatballs are cooked through by simmering until no longer pink inside.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/spanish-meatballs-in-tomato-sauce-recipe/