Meatballs in a bolognese sauce

Here’s a delicious recipe for Meatballs in a Bolognese Sauce that combines tender meatballs with a rich, savory tomato sauce. It’s perfect served over pasta, polenta, or even mashed potatoes.

Meatballs in Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
   • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   • If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced by half.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   • Add the meatballs to the sauce, gently stirring to coat them with the sauce.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The meatballs should be tender and the sauce rich and flavorful.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf. Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your hearty and comforting Meatballs in Bolognese Sauce!