Meatballs and Sunday Sauce
- COOK TIME
- 3 Hr
These Old World Italian-style meatballs are the secret family recipe of guest chef Daniel Mancini, who shared his grandmother's special recipe with us for what he calls Mama Mancinis Meatballs with Sunday Sauce.
What You'll Need
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 pounds ground beef chuck
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs
What to Do
- To make the sauce, in a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender, stirring frequently. Add tomatoes with liquid, the bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; mix well. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except the 1/4 cup oil. Mix well then form into 18 meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat the 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Place half the meatballs in skillet and cook until browned on all sides, but not cooked through. Transfer meatballs to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with remaining meatballs.
- Place meatballs in sauce and stir gently. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until sauce is thickened, stirring frequently.
Makes 18 meatballs.
Notes
- Recipe courtesy of Daniel Mancini of Mama Mancini's.
- Serve with your favorite pasta shape!
- For easy Italian recipes you will make again and again, we've compiled this collection of 35 No-Fail Italian Favorites, Plus 7 Classic Sauces you can make at home!
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Cowboy Chef Jeff
Jan 24, 2020
I made this recipe for dinner last night. It was good, but tasted like it was missing some ingredients. I am used to sauce with oregano, tablespoon of sugar to remove some of the acid in the tomatoes, and more onions. Also I baked the meatballs on a foil lined rimmed baking sheet (375 for 20 mins.). Less mess to clean, just throw away the foil.
annehubbard 540414 6
Oct 20, 2015
What's missing in this recipe is, basil, oregano, salt and pepper and more garlic.
kriesels2 4417705
Jul 12, 2015
Made this for dinner last evening and was up half the night with acid indigestion! The sauce was extremely acidic. The meatballs were basically tasteless! I was totally bummed because I had put so much labor into it. I'm wondering if there isn't an error in the ingredient list. I used 4 (28 oz) cans of coarsely chopped whole tomatoes, as directed and after serving 4 people, I still have enough sauce left for at least another 2 meals - that's IF I were planning on eating it again - which I definitely am not! What a waste of great ingredients.
Duke1212
Jan 14, 2015
Delicious recipe Meatballs and Sunday Sauce. Thanks. If possible, recipe time may be extended.
catlady6866 288727 4
Jul 01, 2013
Actually, this recipes should be called "Meatballs & Sunday GRAVY", as that's what real Italian folks call 'sauce'. The meatballs are almost exactly like my mother-in-law taught me to make, and they're terrific !! I don't see how this recipe has anything to do with Goulash, and why would anyone buy pre-made meatballs whey they're so very easy to make?
Jpmiranda 4492041
Jun 18, 2013
You can also bake the meatballs in a 350f preheated oven for 30 mins before adding to sauce.
countrychef2000
Mar 23, 2011
Now this is true to form & the recipe is as well. My post earlier on the "All American Goulash".....the recipe destroys the name Goulash.....
whosyournana 96222 26
May 06, 2013
Hungarian goulash is indeed very different from the all American skillet goulash, I would really enjoy seeing the recipe for authentic , the one I use has stew beef and potatoes and paprika seasoning it. and we call the skillet goulash Chilimac, and we love it too
RobinLevine
Dec 19, 2010
I will try this recipe and will look for them in my market. I used to live back east and its hard to find a good meatball in a market. I love meatballs and his story is so nice just makes me want to hug my Grandmother. Mr. Food you did it again. RL
Cowboy Chef Jeff
Jan 24, 2020
You're supposed to make your own meatballs in this recipe, not try to find a good meatball in a market.
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