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5 from 1 vote

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course, Starter
Cuisine: European, Spanish
Keyword: albondigas, how to, meatballs, Spanish albondigas, spanish meatballs recipe, spanish meatballs tapas, tomato sauce
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Ester | esterkocht.com

Equipment

  • Medium pot with lid

Ingredients

For thr meatballs

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

For the tomato sauce

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

Instructions

  • Peel and mince garlic and onions. 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.
  • In the same pot sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic continue for another minute. 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.