Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Spanish cuisine! These tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce are not just a meal – they're a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress your family or a food enthusiast craving an authentic Spanish dish, these Albondigas Estofadas al Tomate are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring in the paprika, and season with additional salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Gently place the prepared meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.
- Cook the meatballs in the sauce for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and complete absorption of the tomato sauce.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C). The meat should be fully cooked and the sauce should have thickened.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or alongside a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining the ground beef with breadcrumbs and egg, use your hands to mix gently. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so be gentle and just combine until ingredients are incorporated.
- Size Matters: Keep your meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon can help create consistent meatballs.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat meatballs.
- Sauce Secrets: Let the tomato sauce simmer before adding meatballs to develop deeper, richer flavors. The longer the sauce cooks, the more delicious it becomes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs actually taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare them in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 100mg
