Spanish Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These classic Spanish meatballs in tomato sauce also known as Albóndigas are mouthwatering and easy to make. Made with pan-fried homemade meatballs and simmered in a savory a tomato sauce that’s seasoned to perfection.

This meatball in tomato sauce recipe is one of my go-to recipes to feed the crowd. It’s flavorful, easy to follow, versatile, you can make it ahead of time and can be eaten with many different dishes!

What you’ll need to make meatballs in tomato sace

For the meatballs:

• 500 g (1.1 lbs) ground meat (mixed pork & beef)
• 2 medium eggs Germany, large US
• approx: 5 tablespoons homemade breadcrumbs
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• a pinch of ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the tomato sauce:

• 800 g/ 28 oz/ 4 cups), canned chopped tomatoes
• 200 ml (6.8 fl oz/ 1 cup) water
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 medium onions
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• dried red chilies/ cayenne pepper/or chili flakes, to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

You also need:

– 3 tablespoons of olive oil
– parsley, for garnish, optional
– 1 large bowl

How To Make Spanish Meatballs Recipe

How to make meatballs with beef and pork

First, peel garlic cloves and onions and cut finely. In a large bowl combine all the meatballs ingredients together using your hands. Mix well and form the meat into 18 to 20 meatballs.

In a large pot heat 2 tablespoons of oil at medium-high and brown the meatballs.

Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.

How to make rich tomato sauce for meatballs

In the same pot, add the remaining oil and sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Next, add tomato paste and mix well.

Add the remaining sauce ingredients, except salt and pepper and stir to combine.

Bring to a boil. Once it boils, turn down the heat to medium low and cover with the lid. Let cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After 20 minute cooking time, season salt and pepper. Add back the browned meatballs and let cook for another 15 minutes.

Taste the sauce and season again with salt and pepper if necessary. Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

What to serve with meatballs in tomato sauce

Meatballs in tomato sauce taste amazing served

1. with Homemade flatbread and aioli dip
2. with hot pap, pasta or over yellow rice.
3. with this no-yeast bread or these incredible easy fat cakes.

Did you make this meatballs in savory tomato sauce recipe? I’d love to hear from you! Simply write a review and add rating to it.