Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Using a trio of meats is perfect for these tender meatballs. Beef adds hearty flavor, while pork and veal provide a natural sweetness. Include an equal amount of each for the perfect blend. Unlike most recipes that call for browning the meatballs, this one braises them in an herbed tomato sauce. The meatballs and sauce can be prepared a day ahead, refrigerated and reheated before serving.
Estimated Nutrition (whole recipe, rough)
Counts 17 of 18 ingredients — the other 1 aren't in our nutrition table and contribute nothing above, so the real totals are higher.
What these numbers assume — 17 portions →
| Ingredient | Portion assumed | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | 1 cup (125g) all-purpose | 455 |
| Beef | 100g cooked | 250 |
| Pork | 100g cooked | 242 |
| Pine Nut | 1 oz (28g) | 191 |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp (14g) | 119 |
| Romano Cheese | 1 oz (28g) cheddar | 113 |
| Bread | 1 slice (30g) white | 79 |
| Egg | 1 large egg (50g) | 78 |
| Onion | 1 medium (110g) | 44 |
| Wine | 2 tbsp cooking wine (30ml) | 25 |
| Tomato | 1 medium (123g) | 22 |
| Black Pepper | 1 tsp ground (2.3g) | 6 |
| Oregano | 1 tsp dried (1.8g) | 5 |
| Garlic | 1 clove (3g) | 4 |
| Parsley | 1 tbsp chopped fresh (3.8g) | 1 |
| Basil | 5 leaves fresh (2.5g) | 1 |
| Salt | 1 tsp (6g) | 0 |
| Veal | not in our table | 0 |
Totals for the whole recipe, adding one typical portion per ingredient — listed above. Quantities in the recipe are not counted, so this is a rough guide only — not suitable for medical or dietary planning.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. mixed ground beef, pork and veal
- 1 egg
- 2 yellow onions, 1 finely chopped and 1 chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs or panko
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese
- 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano
- 3 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes in puree
- 1/2 cup dry white wine