Description
This Spanish Meatballs recipe features tender ground beef meatballs seasoned with paprika and garlic, simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce. Perfectly browned and infused with flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, and bay leaf, this dish offers a comforting and flavorful meal inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 pounds fresh whole tomatoes, cored and chopped
Instructions
- Make meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, whole milk, minced garlic, egg yolk, and paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper. Knead the mixture thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into 12 even meatballs and place them in the refrigerator to chill for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.
- Brown meatballs: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chilled meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- Make sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan and reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and bay leaf until the onions become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon paprika, then add the chopped fresh tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer: Return the browned meatballs to the pan with the tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld, while the meatballs finish cooking through.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of side such as crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- You can substitute beef with ground pork or a mix of ground meats for variation.
- Breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs tender; avoid skipping them.
- Simmer gently to keep the sauce thick and prevent burning.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
