Jamie Oliver’s Meatballs and Tomato Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Made with tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, these meatballs pack plenty of flavor while the tomato sauce adds a tangy and savory element that balances the dish beautifully.
What is Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce?
Jamie Oliver’s Meatballs and Tomato Sauce is a classic Italian-inspired dish that combines homemade meatballs with a vibrant tomato sauce made from scratch. The meatballs are usually a mix of beef and pork, seasoned with herbs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then browned to perfection. They are simmered in a tangy, garlic-infused tomato sauce, creating a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
- Jamie Oliver Turkey Ham and Leek Pie
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Pie – 30 Minutes Meals
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: A simple and straightforward recipe that delivers amazing results.
- Perfect for families: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s loved by both kids and adults.
- Homemade goodness: Making the meatballs and sauce from scratch ensures fresh, wholesome flavors.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or even on its own with a side of vegetables.
- Comforting and hearty: Ideal for a cozy meal on colder days or when you’re craving something satisfying.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
For the meatballs:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef – for a rich, hearty base.
- 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork – adds extra flavor and moisture.
- 1 small onion – finely chopped for sweetness.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for added flavor.
- 1 large egg – to bind the mixture together.
- 50g (1.7 oz) breadcrumbs – helps hold the meatballs together.
- 50g (1.7 oz) Parmesan cheese – grated, adds a savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – finely chopped.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for an Italian touch.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing.
- 1 small onion – finely chopped.
- 3 garlic cloves – minced.
- 800g (28 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – for a rich tomato base.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – for added depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – for aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and set them aside on a plate.
- Brown the meatballs: In a large frying pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Make the tomato sauce: In the same pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add the sugar, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer the meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the pan with the sauce. Cover the pan and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
- Spaghetti: The classic pairing for meatballs and tomato sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: A creamy, comforting side that complements the rich sauce.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Add a light, healthy side like broccoli or green beans.
- Rice: A simple base that allows the meatballs and sauce to shine.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
- Mix gently: Don’t overwork the meatball mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough. Gently combine the ingredients just until everything is mixed.
- Chill the meatballs: If you have time, refrigerate the shaped meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape while frying.
- Use a mix of meats: Combining beef and pork gives the meatballs a juicier texture and more depth of flavor.
- Simmer slowly: Let the meatballs simmer gently in the tomato sauce to absorb all the rich flavors.
- Season the sauce well: Taste the tomato sauce before adding the meatballs and adjust the seasoning to ensure it’s well balanced.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
- Use turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, substitute the beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add vegetables: Sauté some bell peppers or zucchini with the onions for a veggie-packed sauce.
- Cheese-stuffed meatballs: For a cheesy surprise, place a small piece of mozzarella inside each meatball before shaping.
- Spicy meatballs: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: The meatballs and sauce can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Keep the sauce separate: If freezing, consider storing the meatballs and sauce separately to prevent the meatballs from becoming too soft.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
- Stovetop method: Reheat the meatballs and sauce gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
- Microwave option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Add a splash of water: If the sauce thickens too much during reheating, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Healthier?
- Use lean meats: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content.
- Bake the meatballs: Instead of frying, bake the meatballs in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes to cut down on oil.
- Add more vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the tomato sauce.
- Reduce salt: Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and reduce the amount of added salt to keep the sodium levels in check.
- Swap breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or oats for added fiber.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Meatballs and Tomato Sauce is a classic, hearty meal that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family. With tender meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, this dish brings comfort to any dinner table. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the rich, homemade flavors of this timeless favorite!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Meatballs and Tomato Sauce is a classic Italian-inspired dish that combines homemade meatballs with a vibrant tomato sauce made from scratch. The meatballs are usually a mix of beef and pork, seasoned with herbs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then browned to perfection. They are simmered in a tangy, garlic-infused tomato sauce, creating a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
For the meatballs:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef – for a rich, hearty base.
- 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork – adds extra flavor and moisture.
- 1 small onion – finely chopped for sweetness.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for added flavor.
- 1 large egg – to bind the mixture together.
- 50g (1.7 oz) breadcrumbs – helps hold the meatballs together.
- 50g (1.7 oz) Parmesan cheese – grated, adds a savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – finely chopped.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for an Italian touch.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing.
- 1 small onion – finely chopped.
- 3 garlic cloves – minced.
- 800g (28 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – for a rich tomato base.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – for added depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – for aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and set them aside on a plate.
- Brown the meatballs: In a large frying pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Make the tomato sauce: In the same pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add the sugar, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer the meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the pan with the sauce. Cover the pan and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
