belgian meatballs in tomato sauce

Portland, OR
Updated on Jul 2, 2019

This is one of the classic Belgian recipes.

prep time 1 Hr
cook time 2 Hr
method Pan Fry
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground pork
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large shallot, chopped finely
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup panko
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cans 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon fine sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 3 cloves
  • olive oil, extra virgin
  • salt and pepper

How To Make belgian meatballs in tomato sauce

  • Step 1
    Heat 2 T oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, 1/2 the garlic, and 1 bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Step 2
    Put a lid on the pan and cook the mixture until the shallots are browned. Stir often.
  • Step 3
    Remove the bay leaf and take the pan from the heat and let it cool.
  • Step 4
    Put pork and beef into a large bowl. Add the shallot mixture.and egg. Mix the ingredients together.
  • Step 5
    Add the panko, parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Mix together.
  • Step 6
    Make the meat mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Coat the meatballs in the flour.
  • Step 7
    Heat skillet on medium high. Add olive oil to pan. Cook meatballs on all sides until brown, 6-7 minutes. Remove meatballs to a platter as they brown.
  • Step 8
    Lower heat to medium low. Add the bay leaves:, rosemary, chopped onion, cloves and the remaining garlic.
  • Step 9
    Next fry the onion for about 4 minutes. Then add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar.
  • Step 10
    Mix together then add the red wine, balsamic vinegar and worcestershire sauce. Season with pepper and salt.
  • Step 11
    Bring the sauce to a rolling boil then lower the heat to medium low. Let simmer for 30-40 minutes with the lid on. Stir often
  • Step 12
    Check the seasoning and add salt, pepper if underseasoned. If the sauce is too bitter or vinegary, add an extra pinch of sugar to reduce that flavor. Stir in the chopped herbs.
  • Step 13
    Add the browned meatballs, Cover and cook the meatball mixture for 10 minutes until meatballs are warmed through.
  • Step 14
    Serve the mearballs over mashed potatoes or noodles with the sauce.

Discover More

Category: Pork
Ingredient: Pork
Method: Pan Fry
Culture: Dutch

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