Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 410°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine lean ground beef, minced onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
- Using about 2-3 teaspoons of mixture per meatball, roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Meatballs do not need to be cooked through at this point.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and brown sugar. Let simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the baked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Cover with lid for a thinner sauce or leave uncovered for a thicker sauce. Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving. Serve over spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
Notes
These meatballs are versatile and can be served with various sides. Adjust the seasoning to taste and feel free to add extra herbs for more flavor.
