Some dishes simply deliver when it comes to a satisfying midday meal, and beef meatballs in tomato sauce fit that description perfectly. Tender and juicy, these meatballs cook directly in a flavorful sauce enriched with peppers and garlic, making them ideal alongside white rice or couscous.
For the meatballs, you'll need: 500 grams ground beef, one small grated onion, one egg, three tablespoons breadcrumbs, half a teaspoon sweet paprika, salt and black pepper, and a bit of chopped parsley.
The sauce calls for: chopped onion, red bell pepper cut into strips, two minced garlic cloves, two tablespoons tomato paste, one can crushed tomatoes, one teaspoon sweet paprika, half a teaspoon cumin, one teaspoon sugar, salt and black pepper, and one cup of water.
To prepare:
- Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl until evenly mixed, then shape into small balls.
- Heat a bit of oil in a wide pot and sauté the onion and pepper until they begin to soften.
- Add the garlic, tomato paste and paprika, stirring for about a minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, water, sugar, cumin, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
- Gently arrange the meatballs in the sauce, cover, and simmer over low heat for approximately 25 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking another 5-10 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens.
