Spiced Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Spiced meatballs in tomato sauce are a bold, comforting twist on the classic dish. These tender, juicy meatballs are seasoned with warm spices like cumin and cinnamon, then simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Perfect over rice, pasta, or with warm bread, it’s a cozy, vibrant meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (grated or finely chopped)
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Cinnamon (just a pinch)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (for frying or baking)
- For the tomato sauce:
- Olive oil
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- Ground cumin
- Paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
- A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine meatball ingredients until just mixed. Avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
- Form into small meatballs. Either pan-fry in olive oil until browned or bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
- For the sauce, sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and spices, then stir in crushed tomatoes.
- Simmer sauce for 15–20 minutes. Add browned meatballs and continue simmering for 10–15 minutes.
- Garnish with herbs and serve hot over rice, pasta, couscous, or with flatbread.
Notes
- Add grated zucchini or carrot to the meat for extra moisture.
- Use harissa or chili paste for heat.
- Try turkey or lamb as a substitute for beef.
- Simmer with chickpeas or lentils for a one-pot meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/spiced-meatballs-in-tomato-sauce/
