Albondigas en Tomato (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
You can't beat a great meatball recipe. These Albondigas en Tomato (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce) are a staple here in Spain and they always hit the spot. A tender and rich beef meatball made from 100% ground beef, fresh garlic and parsley. They are pan seared and then finished off in a rich tomato sauce. Great served just as is with crusty bread or with pasta or rice.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 495kcal
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 Cup bread crumbs fine
- 1 Egg
- 2 Garlic cloves crushed
- Salt
- Pepper
- Small bunch of finely chopped parsley
- Olive oil for frying
- Extra parsley for garnish
For the sauce:
- 2 lb tomatoes chopped
- 1 Onion peeled and chopped
- 4 Garlic cloves crushed
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 2 Tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Make the sauce first. In a large deep sided skillet set over medium to high heat, add the olive oil, onions and garlic. Stir well and leave to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, stir well and reduce heat to medium low. Leave to cook for about 20 minutes or until the tomatoes are completely soft. Stir occasionally while cooking. Add salt, pepper, sugar and soy sauce. Stir well and transfer to a blender to blend the sauce. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper and chopped parsley. Mix really well with your hands. Form into small balls and repeat for all the mixture.
- Heat enough olive oil in a large skillet to go about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Add one meatball to test if the oil is hot enough. It should sizzle. Add all the meatballs and cook for about 5 - 7 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- In a large clean skillet set over medium heat, add the tomato sauce and meatballs. Stir well and cook for a further 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with extra parsley. Serve straight away.
*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Nutrition Facts
Albondigas en Tomato (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 495
Calories from Fat 288
% Daily Value*
Fat 32g49%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 121mg40%
Sodium 707mg31%
Potassium 963mg28%
Carbohydrates 26g9%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 26g52%
Vitamin A 1950IU39%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
Calcium 90mg9%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.