Name: Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 large peeled tomatoes, pureed; 1 can tomato paste; 1 onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped; 1 tsp Sea Salt; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, crushed; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage, out of the casing; 1 egg; 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish that never fails to warm both hearts and bellies, it’s Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce. This classic comfort food brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce—all simmered to perfection and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a big family Sunday dinner or whipping up something special for a cozy night in, Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce is the kind of meal that’s always met with cheers around the table. With each tender bite, you’ll taste a harmony of fresh herbs, savory meats, and a touch of parmesan that feels like a true hug from the Italian kitchen.

Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making truly memorable Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce. Each addition plays a vital role in creating incredible depth of flavor—from the bright acidity of tomatoes to the fresh lift of basil and an unforgettable meaty richness.

8 large peeled tomatoes, pureed: Fresh tomatoes give the sauce unbeatable brightness and texture, especially when pureed for that rustic feel.
1 can tomato paste: This intensifies the tomato flavor and gives body to your sauce, making it rich and hearty.
1 onion, finely chopped: Onions offer subtle sweetness and a flavor foundation that’s essential for a balanced sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings necessary punch and aroma—never skip it for authentic taste!
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped: Basil adds a sweet, peppery freshness that absolutely sings in tomato sauce.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: This herb brightens up both the sauce and meatballs with delicate, grassy notes.
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped: Oregano gives your sauce an earthy Mediterranean depth, crucial for authenticity.
1 tsp sea salt: Salt pulls all the flavors together and is essential for seasoning both sauce and meatballs.
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, crushed: For a gentle hint of warmth, a little goes a long way.
2 Tbsp olive oil: Rich olive oil infuses everything with a savory silkiness and helps sauté the aromatics.
1/3 cup Parmesan, grated: Parmesan not only seasons but gives a savory, nutty element that’s divine.
1 lb ground beef: This forms the meatball base, bringing robust flavor and hearty texture.
1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage, out of the casing: Sausage adds juiciness, depth, and classic Italian spices.
1 egg: The binding magic for meatballs, keeping them tender and cohesive.
1/2 cup crushed pork rinds: A fantastic, gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs for added crunch and savory notes.
1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper: These pantry staples layer extra flavor into every bite.

How to Make Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce

Step 1: Start the Aromatics

Begin by heating about 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them just until translucent—this is where your kitchen starts to smell heavenly. Give them a gentle stir as they cook, and watch the flavors begin to meld.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Add in your pureed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. This mixture will be the backbone of your Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce, so make sure everything is thoroughly combined before lowering the heat. The tomato paste is especially important here, giving the sauce that classic savory richness everyone expects.

Step 3: Simmer and Season

Once your tomato base has boiled and the paste is nicely blended, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in all the fresh herbs—the vibrant basil, parsley, and oregano—as well as your sea salt and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes. At this stage, the aroma will be irresistible! Let the sauce gently simmer while you get started on the meatballs, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen together.

Step 4: Prepare the Meatballs

While the sauce gently bubbles away, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, grated parmesan, egg, crushed pork rinds, and those trusty seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper). Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands—it’s the best way to ensure everything is perfectly mixed. If the mixture feels a bit too dry or wet, adjust with a splash of cream or a handful more pork rinds until it holds together easily when formed.

Step 5: Shape and Sear

Shape the meat mixture into generous balls, roughly 3–4 inches across—they’ll shrink just a touch as they cook. Place them in the hot skillet, careful not to crowd the pan. You may need to do this in two batches. Sear each meatball on all sides, rotating as needed, until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through (about 5 minutes). This step not only locks in moisture but also builds that irresistible classic flavor that makes Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce stand out.

Step 6: Finish in the Sauce

Once your meatballs are seared and lovely, carefully nestle them into your simmering tomato sauce. Cover the pot and let everything meld together for up to an hour. Give it an occasional stir, and revel in how the sauce thickens and the meatballs continue to soak up every note of flavor. The result? Absolute Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce perfection!

How to Serve Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce

Garnishes

No plate of Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce is complete without a flurry of fresh, vibrant garnishes. Try showering the top with extra chopped fresh basil or parsley, a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan, and maybe even a touch more cracked pepper. These little touches bring color, freshness, and a restaurant-worthy finish right to your table.

Side Dishes

Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce plays well with countless sidekicks. Go classic by serving over spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape, or ladle them alongside creamy polenta for something a bit different. Crusty Italian bread is non-negotiable for mopping up every last drop of that gorgeous sauce—don’t forget it!

Creative Ways to Present

Get a little playful with your presentation! Serve the meatballs as sliders for parties, pile them atop a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, or tuck them inside a toasted sub roll for a hearty meatball sandwich. For a lighter touch, try spooning the meatballs and sauce over zoodles or roasted veggies. Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce is endlessly adaptable for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce keeps beautifully. Store cooled meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and get even better overnight!

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream! Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zipper bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover and heat at medium power, stirring halfway for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch or tomatoes aren’t in season, canned crushed or whole peeled tomatoes work just fine in Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce. Just aim for high-quality, low-sodium brands for the best flavor.

What’s a good substitute for pork rinds?

If you’d prefer a traditional approach, simply use breadcrumbs instead of pork rinds. Panko or regular Italian breadcrumbs both work great and yield that classic texture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely. Omit the parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Also, double-check your sausage ingredients to ensure there’s no hidden dairy. The finished Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce will still be flavorful and satisfying.

How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

Binding is the key! Make sure to use the egg and crushed pork rinds (or breadcrumbs), and don’t skip the gentle mixing. Overworking the mixture makes dense meatballs; mixing just until combined keeps them tender and intact in the sauce.

Can I make this ahead for a crowd?

You sure can! Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce is perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Double or triple the recipe, prepare everything the day before, and simply reheat before serving. Guests will never know you weren’t working away just minutes before they arrived.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce recipe a try—it’s the kind of meal that sparks joy, invites conversation, and makes every dinner feel a bit more special. Pour yourself a glass of something you love, gather around the table, and savor the simple magic of homemade Italian comfort food. Buon appetito!

Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Diabetic

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Description

This classic recipe for Traditional Italian Meatballs & Sauce brings the authentic flavors of Italy right to your table. The hearty meatballs are simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce that is bursting with fresh herbs and spices.

Instructions

Sauce Preparation: In a large stockpot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic. Add pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer the sauce.
Meatball Preparation: Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Form into meatballs and sear in a skillet. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer.
Serve: Serve the meatballs and sauce with pasta or bread.