Get ready to unlock a culinary masterpiece that has been tantalizing taste buds for generations! Uncle Dale's Sauce with Meatballs isn't just another recipe—it's a flavor-packed journey that transforms ordinary ground beef into an extraordinary Italian-inspired feast. Imagine tender, perfectly browned meatballs swimming in rich marinara sauce, promising a dining experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Ensure they are compact but not overly compressed to maintain tenderness.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Do not add oil, as the beef will release its own natural fat.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, allowing them to brown on all sides. Rotate every 2-3 minutes to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior. This process should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Once meatballs are browned, pour marinara sauce over them in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 45-50 minutes, occasionally turning the meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs, which should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with pasta, over rice, or with crusty bread.
Tips
- Mix ingredients gently: Overmixing can make meatballs tough, so use a light touch when combining ingredients.
- Use room temperature egg: This helps bind the ingredients more effectively and creates a more uniform texture.
- Test a sample meatball: Before cooking the entire batch, cook a small meatball to check seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Maintain consistent size: Use a small ice cream scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: Cook meatballs in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Let them rest: Allowing meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture and makes them more tender.
- Temperature is key: Always ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
