Easy Italian Meatballs with Parmesan and Herbs
These easy Italian meatballs are baked in the oven and served with a rich tomato and white wine sauce. Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs give them authentic flavor and a tender texture. It’s a comforting, homemade meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight and delicious enough for guests.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 dl fine breadcrumbs
- 0.5 dl milk
- 1 dl grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 dl finely chopped parsley
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (400 g) good-quality crushed or whole tomatoes
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 dl white wine
- 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Farfalle or spaghetti
- Fresh herbs parsley or basil
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs light and tender.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the mixture to firm up slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Make the Tomato Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce slightly. Add the balsamic vinegar, canned tomatoes (crush them lightly if whole), sugar, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops a rich flavor.
Combine and Serve
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes. Serve hot with farfalle or spaghetti, and garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Substitute white wine with vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs briefly in a skillet before baking.
- The sauce and meatballs both freeze well for easy meal prep.