Perfect Meatballs in Sweet Tomato-Based Sauce With Spaghetti
These meatballs in a sweet tomato-based sauce served over spaghetti are a classic comfort food supper that’s simple, hearty and delicious!
I find myself oddly reluctant to make this supper even though it’s always such a hit with my family. Maybe it’s because I see it as such a cliche and I feel like I should be “thinking outside the box” a little more. But I know that’s silly for several reasons: a) Spaghetti and meatballs is a delicious, hearty supper that my whole family truly loves. b) You all know me by now — I am the queen of simple and traditional. Since when do I care if a supper is a little…boring? c) This supper freezes beautifully so I can double it when I make it — half for that night, half for the freezer. So in reality I have no reason not to make this often!
My mother often made meatballs and spaghetti for supper when I was a kid and I loved it. When I had my youngest, a neighbor sent over a supper of meatballs and spaghetti and it was one of the best meals we received. When I called her for the recipe, she literally laughed. Really?! You want my recipe? But it’s so simple! And indeed it was, but oh so good!
The trick to good spaghetti and meatballs, I’ve discovered, is in the sauce. There are so many different ways to make meatballs. I have tried many types over the years — roasting the meatballs separately and adding all different things to the meat — but I’ve found that it’s not the meatballs that matter: the real deal-breaker is cooking them in the best sauce ever.
My recipe for meatballs in sweet tomato-based sauce contains two ingredients that are a must. Normally, I prefer savory flavors; I never add sugar or sweeteners to my meats or poultry. But in this case, the jam in the sauce adds so much flavor and heartiness. It doesn’t matter what flavor jam you use. I like strawberry, but any will do. The wine is also a huge game changer! If you don’t have wine in the house, it’s worthwhile to keep a small bottle of cooking wine handy just for this. I’m not particular about the type of wine, it can be sweet, dry or semi-dry, as long as it’s red. (White wine belongs in fish and rice, not meat!)
It’s important to take the time to make this right. You need to take a few extra minutes to give it the love it deserves — yes, I strongly believe that adding love to a recipe makes a huge difference! Let your sauce simmer, so it can thicken properly. You can even make it the night before or early in the morning and just reheat before serving. I serve my meatballs with spaghetti because that’s how my kids like to eat it – my youngest especially loves to be able to “slurp” her noodles. I buy a wonderful whole-wheat pasta, but if your grocery has an off-brand, feel free to buy that, since they’re all pretty much the same! However, if it were up to me, I would serve meatballs with brown rice — I love, love meatballs and rice. In truth, you can serve the meatballs with any starch, of course, or even skip the carbs altogether and serve them alongside a big lettuce salad, dressed with my favorite everyday dressing.
Perfect Meatballs in Sweet Tomato-Based Sauce
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp dried parsley
Sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 11 oz. jam (I use strawberry, but any flavor works)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup red wine (I use semi-dry)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix all meatball ingredients well, making sure not to overmix.
- For the sauce, in a large pot, heat the oil. Add the onions and sauté until golden, about 15-20 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Form meat mixture into balls and drop into sauce. Let simmer for about 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Freezes very well.
Recipe by Faigy Murray | https://mykitchenmystudio.com/perfect-meatballs-in-sweet-sauce/
