Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
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.