Meatballs in Tomato Maple Sauce
These Meatballs in Tomato Maple Sauce are a deliciously sweet and savory twist on classic meatballs. Tender, juicy meatballs are simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce sweetened with maple syrup, creating the perfect balance of flavors. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal!
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- For the Tomato Maple Sauce:
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Make the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, maple syrup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the meatballs:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Just bake them, then freeze, and thaw before adding to the sauce.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them and replace with ground oats.