Get ready to indulge in a comforting classic that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! These Sausage Meatballs with Red Gravy are not just any meatballs; they are a hearty blend of juicy Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and a touch of heat, all enveloped in a rich, savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. With just over an hour of your time, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. Are you ready to elevate your weeknight meals? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Italian sausage
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes
- Crushed tomatoes
- Onion, chopped
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing by splitting the casing and extracting the meat into a large mixing bowl.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, beaten eggs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage meat. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate or baking sheet.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, browning them on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes, ensuring they develop a nice golden crust.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes over the meatballs, reducing the heat to low. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through completely and absorb the tomato sauce flavors.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can choose spicy or mild according to your preference.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce adds a depth of flavor and a delightful texture. Make sure to turn them gently to avoid breaking them apart.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. For a milder dish, use less, or for more heat, feel free to add extra!
- Let It Simmer: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for the full 25-30 minutes. This not only ensures they are cooked through but also allows them to soak up all the delicious tomato flavors.
- Serve with Style: These meatballs are fantastic over spaghetti or served in a sub for a hearty sandwich. Don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 223mg
