Description
This Spanish Meatballs recipe features tender meatballs made with ground beef, seasoned with paprika and garlic, then simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce flavored with onions, garlic, and bay leaf. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 pounds fresh whole tomatoes, cored and chopped
Instructions
- Make Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, egg yolk, and paprika. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Knead the mixture well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs and chill them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned evenly on all sides. Remove the browned meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Make Sauce: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced onions, minced garlic, and bay leaf. Sauté until the onions soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the paprika and then add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the pan.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the pan with the tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once cooked through and sauce is thickened, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you may add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
- If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, use 1 can (14 oz) of crushed or diced tomatoes as a substitute.
- Ensure meatballs are chilled before browning to help them hold their shape.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
