Savory Beer-Braised Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce
This hearty dish features succulent meatballs infused with a blend of Italian seasonings and braised in a flavorful tomato sauce enriched with beer. The combination of ground beef, spicy garlic, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar creates a mouthwatering experience that the whole family will love. Perfect as an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, these meatballs are delicious served over pasta, in a subs, or on their own. Plus, you can easily adapt the recipe using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
4
Servings
650
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (raw)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Light-colored beer
12 ounces (none)
Tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups (none)
Ketchup
1 cup (none)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, lightly beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
4
Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared broiling rack.
5
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.
6
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large Dutch oven, combine the light-colored beer, tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, and packed brown sugar.
7
Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
8
Once boiling, carefully add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
72.5g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Beer-Braised Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce.
What type of meat is used for the meatballs?
The recipe primarily uses 1 lb of ground beef.
Can I use a different meat besides beef?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil and spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
What ingredients are in the meatball mixture?
The mixture includes ground beef, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
What kind of breadcrumbs are required?
Use 1/2 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 eggs that are lightly beaten.
How much onion is needed?
Use 1/3 cup of finely chopped onion.
What type of cheese goes into the meatballs?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How many garlic cloves are used?
Two minced garlic cloves are required for the meatballs.
What size should the meatballs be?
Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter.
How long do the meatballs bake in the oven?
Bake them for about 10 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
What type of pot should I use for the sauce?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for preparing the sauce.
What type of beer is used for the sauce?
The recipe specifies 12 ounces of light-colored beer.
What are the components of the tomato sauce?
The sauce contains light-colored beer, tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, and brown sugar.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce.
Is there ketchup in this recipe?
Yes, the sauce includes 1 cup of ketchup.
How much tomato paste should I add?
Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Is there any sugar in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
At what heat should the sauce be brought to a boil?
Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
How long do the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
Allow them to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low while simmering.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 650 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 37.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
One serving contains 72.5g of carbohydrates.
How should these meatballs be served?
They are delicious served over pasta, in a sub, or on their own.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight?
Yes, it is perfect as an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.