Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and parsley. Mix gently until combined.
- Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the meatballs: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
- Make the bolognese sauce: In the same pan, heat remaining olive oil. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until soft, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, wine (if using), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 20–30 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4–6
- Difficulty: Medium
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Stir in cream at the end for a richer, velvety sauce.
Serving Suggestions
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