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Jamie Oliver Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Jamie Oliver meatballs in tomato sauce
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Jamie Oliver’s meatballs in tomato sauce is a dish where seasoned ground meat is shaped into balls, browned, and then simmered in a tomato-based sauce until tender and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 500g ground beef or mixed meat

  • 1 egg

  • 50g breadcrumbs

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan

  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 1 onion (finely chopped)

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil

  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional additions:

  • Chili flakes

  • Fresh basil

  • A pinch of sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense, so keep it light and airy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls (about golf-ball size). Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking and better presentation.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook them fully at this stage—just develop a golden crust for flavor.

Step 4: Start the Sauce Base

Remove the meatballs and in the same pan, add chopped onion. Cook until soft and slightly golden, allowing it to absorb the leftover flavors from the meat.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in garlic and dried herbs, cooking briefly until fragrant. This step builds the aromatic base of the sauce.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes

Pour in chopped tomatoes and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes until it thickens slightly and develops flavor.

Step 7: Return the Meatballs

Place the meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and simmer for another 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add fresh basil or parsley before serving for freshness and color.

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/meatballs-in-tomato-sauce/