Dive into the heart of Greek cuisine with our irresistible Soutzoukakia Baked Meatballs with Tomato Sauce! This dish is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, aromatic spices, and a luscious tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving comfort food, these succulent meatballs are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s uncover the secrets to this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into elongated oval-shaped meatballs, approximately 5-6 cm long. Ensure they are compact and evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Arrange the meatballs in the prepared baking dish, leaving some space between each meatball to allow even heat distribution.
- In a separate bowl, crush the canned tomatoes and mix with olive oil, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to create the sauce.
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are partially covered but not completely submerged.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the meatballs to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Best enjoyed hot with rice, bread, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality ground beef. A blend with a bit of fat will keep the meatballs juicy and tender.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Shape your meatballs to be uniform in size (about 5-6 cm long) to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Let the Sauce Shine: When preparing your tomato sauce, feel free to add herbs like oregano or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your Soutzoukakia with fluffy rice, crusty bread, or a refreshing salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven before serving for a quick and delicious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 515kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
