Spicy Meatballs Baked in Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

Spicy meatballs with golden baked mozzarella and parmesan cheese

5 from 1 vote

Spicy Meatballs Baked in Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

The perfect meatball requires only quality ground beef, salt and pepper. Served in spicy tomato sauce and crusted in baked mozzarella and you the making of an amazing meal that can be served on spaghetti, a sandwich or dipped with a crusty loaf of bread.

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Easy Recipes, Meatballs, Real Food

Servings: servings

Calories: 806kcal

Author: Philip Lago and Mystique Mattai

Ingredients

2 lbs good quality ground beef
1 can San Marzano tomatoes D.O.P. designation preferred
¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, plus additional
5 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
10 leaves basil
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoon olive oil divided
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450° F.
No. 2 | Heat a saucepan to medium-high with 1 tablespoon olive oil. While the oil is heating, open the tomatoes. Once oil just begins to smoke, add garlic and chilis, and sauté for 20 seconds. As soon as the garlic starts to brown, pour in the tomatoes, then stir in ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper and half the basil leafs roughly torn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Meanwhile, heat heavy bottom, oven safe skillet on medium high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Divide the meat into 16 even pieces and roll into balls. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper and roll them around until they are well coated. When oil begins to smoke, gently place each meatball in the pan, being careful not to crowd the pan. Sear the meatballs for 2 minutes, then gently shake the pan to roll the meatballs a quarter turn. Repeat until the meatballs are seared all around, about 8 minutes total. Drain any excessive fat from the pan once the meatballs are cooked.
Cover the meatballs with the tomato sauce. Tear the mozzarella into chunks scatter throughout the meatballs. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese then broil for 5 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Before serving, top with remaining basil. Enjoy with a loaf of bread, a sandwich, pasta or just by themselves.

Nutrition