Meatballs in Creamy Tomato Sauce for Busy Weeknights

Looking for a quick and comforting dinner idea? These Meatballs in Creamy Tomato Sauce are perfect for busy weeknights! Made with simple ingredients like turkey, rice, and a rich tomato cream sauce, this dish comes together effortlessly. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. Let’s dive in and make dinner stress-free!

Ingredients for Meatballs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

For the meatballs:

• 500g turkey minced meat
• 1/2 cup rice (precooked for 5 minutes)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 small egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 Tbsp avocado oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup water (or more, as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for serving

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Precook the Rice
Cook the rice in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey minced meat, precooked rice, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

1. While the meatballs are baking, heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onion and grated carrot until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomato sauce, fresh cream, and water. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

1. Once the meatballs are baked, carefully transfer them into the simmering sauce.
2. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the meatballs and creamy tomato sauce over your favorite side dish—rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes! Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

• Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture
  • Gently combine the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can make them dense and tough.
• Precook the Rice
  • Precooking the rice for a few minutes ensures it cooks fully when the meatballs are baked and simmered.
• Shape Evenly
  • Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Bake, Don’t Fry
  • Baking meatballs in the oven is easier, less messy, and healthier than frying. Plus, they’ll hold their shape better.
• Season Generously
  • Don’t skimp on seasoning! Add enough salt, pepper, and spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for full flavor.
• Finish Cooking in Sauce
  • Letting the baked meatballs simmer in the creamy tomato sauce not only adds flavor but also keeps them from drying out.
• Test a Sample
  • If you’re unsure about the seasoning, fry a small portion of the mixture in a pan for a quick taste test before forming all the meatballs.

Serving Suggestions for Meatballs

• Over Pasta
  • Serve the creamy tomato meatballs over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
• With Rice
  • Spoon the meatballs and sauce over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• Crusty Bread
  • Pair with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy tomato sauce.
• With Veggies
  • Keep it lighter by serving with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini.
• As a Sub Sandwich
  • Turn these into a quick meatball sub! Pile the meatballs and sauce into a toasted baguette and sprinkle with cheese.
• Meal Prep Bowls
  • Create balanced meal prep bowls by adding the meatballs and sauce alongside rice or quinoa and a side of roasted veggies.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Storing Leftovers
  • Transfer any leftover meatballs and sauce into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Meatballs
  • Uncooked: Shape the meatballs, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Cooked: Freeze baked or simmered meatballs with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Tips
  • Reheat meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Meal Prep Friendly
  • Double the recipe to make extra meatballs and freeze portions for busy nights. This way, you can quickly heat up a delicious homemade meal without starting from scratch.
• Make-Ahead Option
  • Prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake and cook them in the sauce when ready.

These Easy Meatballs in Creamy Tomato Sauce are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting and delicious. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out in the comments below!

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